Pucking Only (Night Hawks Hockey #2)

Epilogue

SKYLER

THREE MONTHS LATER

“Babe? Are you ready? They’re going to be here any minute!”

Shaking my head in exasperation, I poke my head out of the bathroom and shout down the hall to Carson in response, “I’m almost ready! Just open the wine. I’ll be out in two minutes.”

“Sure you will,” he calls back from the kitchen. “See you in 20.”

I roll my eyes but grin as I return my gaze to the mirror over the bathroom sink and work my freshly washed and dried hair back into a ponytail. I just got home from work 30 minutes ago and took a quick shower before Grace, Jensen, and Stacey arrive.

It’s been three months since I moved to Denver and started living with Carson. Honestly, I’m still getting used to how good everything feels. Living with Carson has been surprisingly easy. We’ve fallen into this rhythm that I didn’t expect, like we’ve always been meant to share a space. He’s patient in ways I didn’t think he’d be, and we’ve found a balance between work and us that feels right. There are still moments where I catch myself waiting for the other shoe to drop, but it never does. Instead, I’m left feeling fulfilled and, truly, very happy.

And then there’s the job.

I grin at my reflection, thinking about how everything fell into place with Lumina Interactive. Zander’s cousin — bless her — made that connection for me, and now I’m working at a company I’ve admired for years. It’s surreal. Lumina is everything I imagined it would be: creative, forward-thinking, and filled with people who actually care about the work I do. Every day, I wake up excited to dive into whatever project I’m working on. I feel empowered, like I’m finally able to use my voice in ways I never could at Code Kickers.

Thinking about a meeting I was just in today, I can hardly believe how satisfying it was to be with the other women on the design team, brainstorming ideas for a new character arc. They actually listen to me there, encourage my ideas, and I’ve never felt more seen. I get to build something real, something that reflects the values I’ve always wanted to bring into my work. It’s fulfilling in ways I didn’t think possible, and I owe both Zander and his cousin a thank you gift, or maybe 10.

I step out of the bathroom, wiping my hands on a towel and head into the bedroom to finish getting dressed. As I pull on a sweater, I hear the faint sound of Carson moving around in the kitchen, probably setting up snacks for when everyone gets here. The simple domesticity of it makes my heart swell a little. I’m happy . It’s weird to even say it out loud, but it’s true. I’m fulfilled, empowered, and happy in a way I haven’t been in years.

I pull on my jeans and smooth the fabric down, catching one last look at myself in the mirror before heading out. As I make my way into the living room, Carson looks up, flashing me that familiar grin that always makes my heart skip .

"Almost ready?" he asks, nodding toward the door. “Grace just texted — they’re on their way.”

“Yep,” I say. “Ready. And see? It didn’t take me long at all.”

He chuckles. “You’re right. 10 minutes instead of 20.”

I move up behind him and smack his butt. “Shush, you.”

Suddenly, the apartment door swings open, and Grace bursts in, followed by Jensen.

“We’re here!” she exclaims. “And we brought wine!”

I laugh. “Oh, good. I was afraid three bottles wouldn’t be enough.”

“No one can ever accuse me of not being prepared,” she says with a wink.

Stacey arrives shortly after Grace and Jensen. She seems a little shy and uncertain as she walks through the door.

“Hey, everyone,” she greets with a small wave. “Thanks for inviting me.”

“Of course!” I exclaim, rushing to her side to throw an arm around her shoulders. “We need to initiate the newest member of the Night Hawks family!”

“Congratulations on landing the residency,” Jensen says.

“Yeah, congrats!” Carson agrees.

“Thanks …it’s kind of wild,” she says, her eyes gleaming. “A physical therapist resident for a pro hockey team. This is literally the dream.”

“And it’s going to be insane next season,” Grace chimes in from the kitchen where she’s uncorking our first bottle of the night. “Especially with someone new coming in to fill Cruz’s spot.”

We all pause for a moment, the mention of Cruz bringing our giddiness down a bit. It’s bittersweet, knowing he’s leaving to take care of his dad. The whole team is going to miss him, but we all know he’s making the right decision.

“Yeah, it’s going to feel different without Cruz,” Carson says, his voice thoughtful as he moves to settle on the couch after Grace hands him a glass of wine. He pats the spot next to him, wanting me to join him. When I do, he drapes his arm over my shoulders. “But we’ll get someone good to take his place. The Night Hawks are already looking at a few guys from up north, right?”

Jensen nods as he plops down on the loveseat kitty-corner from the couch. “Yep. Coach was talking about it the other day. Whoever it is will have big shoes to fill, though.”

“Still, it’s going to be weird without Cruz,” I say, remembering how welcoming he was when I first started coming around. “But he’s doing what he needs to do.”

Grace comes in with a glass of wine in one hand for Jensen and another in the other hand and snuggles in beside him . “Well, whoever the new guy is, Stacey, you’ll get to work with him. Think about that — your first season as a resident, and you’re already part of the onboarding process for a new player. That’s huge!”

Stacey laughs from where she’s perched in a recliner by the window. “No pressure, right? Just have to make sure I don’t mess it all up.”

“You won’t,” Carson says, his voice steady. “You’ll crush it. The team already loves you.”

She blushes slightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Thanks. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it all. It’s kind of surreal.”

“And next season is going to be even crazier,” Jensen pipes in, grinning as he leans back against the loveseat’s cushions, his long legs stretched out in front of him. “New blood, fresh energy — it’s going to be intense.”

The conversation flows easily, the wine adding a relaxed buzz to the evening. We talk about the season that’s coming to an end, the ups and downs, the injuries and recoveries, and the playoff race that had us all on the edge of our seats. Sadly, we just fell short of the cup this year.

I glance around, taking in the moment. It feels good to be here, surrounded by the people who have become my second family. There’s something comforting about knowing that while things are changing, there’s also this steady rhythm that keeps us all connected. I feel a warm surge of contentment as I lean into Carson’s side, his arm tightening around me instinctively.

“Next season’s going to be wild,” I say, grinning. “But it’s going to be even better now that Stacey’s officially part of the crew.”

“Hell yeah,” Grace cheers, raising her glass. “To Stacey and the Night Hawks!”

We all raise our glasses, clinking them together.

Grace takes another drink and adds, “And now that we’re getting into the off-season, we’re going to have so much time to hang out and have fun. Game nights, movie marathons… the works!”

Carson grins. “You’re planning our entire social calendar already?” he teases.

“Of course!” Grace shoots back with a wink. “Someone has to keep things exciting around here.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Carson replies, waggling his eyebrows at me. “I’ve got my own plans for Skyler and me. Our calendar is going to be quite… full. We’ll really be stretching ourselves to accommodate it all.”

I blush at his suggestive tone and playfully smack his chest. “Don’t be dirty in front of your sister!”

Grace makes a gagging noise while Jensen and Stacey laugh. Carson gives me his shit-eating grin and kisses my forehead. I laugh too, feeling a warmth spread through me. This is exactly what I needed — the support of my friends, the love of the man I’ve cared about for as long as I can remember, and the thrill of finally taking charge of my own life.

Stacey, Grace and Jensen don’t stay long, and even though I can’t wait to have a lengthy hang-out sesh with my best friend, I’m actually pretty happy that it’ll just be Carson and me for the rest of the night. The wine isn’t the only thing heating my blood. When it comes to Carson, I’m insatiable and I still can’t go too long without wanting to jump him.

The moment I shut the door behind Grace and Jensen, Carson comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, burying his face against my neck.

“Finally, I get you all to myself,” he murmurs.

His warm breath caresses my skin and when he presses a kiss to my shoulder, I shiver. Turning to face him, I loop my arms around his neck and smile up at him.

“Well, now that you have me alone, what are you going to do with me?”

His lips curl into a hungry, predatory grin. Hooking his hands around my thighs, he lifts me off my feet. Giggling, I wrap my legs around his waist and drop my lips to his as he turns and carries me through the apartment toward the bedroom. When he reaches the bed, he drops me down in the middle of the mattress. He grabs my jeans and tugs them down and off my legs and I can’t hold back my laughter. This is what I love about us… our playfulness, which goes hand-in-hand with our passion.

Before he joins me on the bed, he pulls his shirt off and tosses it aside. My mouth starts to water as I stare at his chiseled abs and solid chest. With a saucy little grin, I crook my finger at him. Smirking, he climbs onto the bed and settles over me. Cupping his face, I pull him down into another kiss, parting my lips so our tongues can meet as well.

“So, tell me,” I murmur against his lips. “What are some of the things you have planned for me that have our calendar so full and stretched ?”

He chuckles, nipping at my bottom lip with his teeth before answering, “Why don’t I just show you?”

“Fine by me. I’ve always been a hands-on type of person anyway.”

Carson trails kisses down my neck and slips his hands beneath my shirt, pushing it up so he can run his lips along my breasts. Moments later, he’s removed my shirt completely, as well as my bra so I’m naked beneath him. Looking down at my body, he licks his lips.

“Fuck, Star,” he growls. “You’re so sexy.”

My cheeks flush and my grin widens. Once, I wouldn’t have believed him, but now I know he means it. I’m exactly the type of girl Carson wants.

“You’re taking too long,” I tease him, my tone breathless. “Lose the pants.”

“Bossy.” He winks as he shoves his shorts off, freeing his hardening cock.

Before he can move back over me, I pounce on him, pushing him to his back. Settling between his legs, I wrap my fingers around the base of his erection. Holding his gaze, I lower my mouth and take him between my lips, sucking him deep. Carson groans, his eyelids fluttering shut.

“Star,” he breathes. “That feels so damn good.”

I love knowing that I can make him feel this way. That I can make him lose control.

Moving faster, I suck harder, loving the sounds of his moans and breathy curses. I’m so into what I’m doing to him that I don’t think to stop until he tangles his fingers in my hair and pulls me away.

“You know how much I love coming in your mouth,” he snarls. “But I need to be inside you. I want that sweet pussy sucking me dry.”

He doesn’t have to tell me twice. I scramble up on top of him, eager to go for a ride. Taking hold of his length, I line it up with my entrance and slowly sink down, taking him deep inside me. He fits so perfectly, like we’re made for each other. I’m pretty sure we are, as cheesy as that sounds.

Carson takes hold of my hips as I begin to move, grinding against him and losing myself in the bliss of our connection. My head drops back and I groan.

“Oh my God,” I gasp, whipping my hips harder and faster. “Carson, it’s so good…”

“I know, baby. Don’t stop. You’re going to make me cum like this.”

My own release is fast approaching. There’s a knot of pleasure tightening inside me. Closer, closer, closer…

Carson reaches up and cups my breasts, pinching my nipples. That’s the last bit of stimulation I need. My orgasm crashes through me, causing my body to shake and shudder as I claw at his chest. His grip on my hips tighten as he surges up inside me, roaring as he comes as well.

When we’ve both come down from our high, I move off him and collapse onto the bed next to him. We lay beside one another, fighting to catch our breaths.

Carson reaches toward me and takes hold of my hand, giving it a squeeze as he pants out, “I love you, Star.”

Grinning, I reply, “I love you too.”

If I had known all those years ago when I was standing in his parents’ backyard, experiencing my first heartbreak, that I would someday experience this incredible happiness… I’d have thought the pain was worth it. We were kids and neither of us knew what love really was, but now we do, and the love we have for each other is strong and real and true.

Turning and cuddling into his side, I glance around the room, at the home we’ve built together, and it feels so incredibly right. Carson and I were meant to be with each other, and the future spread out before us is one filled with laughter, love, and more happiness than either of us have ever known.

Haven't read the entire Night Hawks series yet? Keep reading for a sneak peek of Pucking Vacation!