Twin Babies for my Pucking Defenders (Chicago Icebreakers #2)

36. Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Six

Jade

The crowd is insane tonight. The rink is packed, the air buzzing with excitement. I can barely keep my eyes on the puck with how fast it’s moving, Carter and Axel are tearing up the ice like it’s their personal playground.

They’re playing against the Atlanta Reapers, and it’s a rough game—physical, intense, exactly how I know Carter and Axel like it.

Carter’s weaving through their defense, his stick moving so quickly it’s almost a blur. Axel, on the other hand, is fucking brutal, shoving guys left and right with zero hesitation. The way those two work together—it’s wild. They’ve got this unspoken connection, like they can read each other’s minds or something.

“Jesus,” I mutter under my breath, watching Carter take a brutal hit but somehow still manage to pass the puck to Axel, who’s already charging towards the goal.

Nate’s on the sidelines, yelling encouragement, his fists clenched as he paces back and forth. He’s in full coach mode, and honestly, it’s kind of adorable. He gets this intensity in his eyes, like he’s the one out there skating. Every time Axel or Carter makes a play, he’s right there, screaming support, and judging by his wide-ass grin, he’s loving every second of it.

Axel slams the puck into the back of the net, and the arena erupts. Nate’s shouting so loud, I swear I can hear him over the roar of the crowd. The Reapers don’t stand a chance.

I let out a laugh, unable to stop myself. Shit, this team is good. And seeing the guys in their element like this—Carter’s sharp focus, Axel’s raw aggression—it’s hot. Really fucking hot.

The final buzzer sounds, and we’ve won. The team’s celebrating on the ice, Carter and Axel high-fiving, grinning like idiots. Nate’s already off the bench, slapping them on the back as they skate past.

I’m still grinning as I head out of the rink. My heart’s light, the win adding this extra bounce to my step. It’s funny how watching them makes everything seem a little easier, even with everything else I’ve got going on.

***

Later, I’m sitting in my office, the soft hum of the white noise machine in the background as I pick at a loose thread on my sweater.

The door creaks open, and I look up, expecting one of my men, but instead, it’s Finn. Of course, it’s Finn. Because why wouldn’t today be the day my best friend’s husband walks in needing help with his hamstring?

“Hey, Jade,” Finn says, his voice calm as ever. He’s all smiles, like this is the most normal thing in the world.

“Hey yourself,” I grin, standing up and gesturing for him to sit on the table. “Didn’t know I was getting a surprise guest today.”

He chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, thought I’d drop in. Been feeling a bit tight, and since you’re the best, figured I’d come to you.”

I roll my eyes but smile, grabbing my tools and getting to work on his hamstring. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Finn, and even longer since I’ve talked to Millie. A pang of guilt hits me out of nowhere. I’ve been so caught up with my shit, with...everything, that I’ve let my friendship with her drift. And Millie, of all people, deserves better.

“How’s Millie?” I ask, my voice casual, though the weight behind the question is anything but.

“She’s great,” Finn says, his tone softening as soon as he mentions her. “She actually misses you, you know. Keeps saying how you two need to catch up.”

I pause, my hands stilling for a second before I resume. “Yeah...I’ve been meaning to call her. Been kinda swamped.”

Finn looks at me, his eyes kind but sharp. He’s not buying my excuse for a second. “Swamped with what? Dating three men at once?”

I laugh, the sound surprising even me. “I’m hanging in there, Finn. Balancing act, you know?”

He grins, but his eyes are serious. “Look, I get it. I was with Millie, sharing her with Chase and Declan. And yeah, it’s a lot sometimes. But it’s also...good. They’re amazing with her, and honestly, there’s no one I’d rather share her with than those two. They help with the kids, they’re there when I’m not. It just works.”

I nod, chewing on the inside of my cheek as I work on the knot in his hamstring. It’s been on my mind, the whole situation. The idea of juggling my own emotions, their emotions, figuring out how to make this whole damn thing work. It’s exhausting.

“You’re really okay with it?” I ask, my voice quieter now.

Finn doesn’t hesitate. “I’m totally okay with it. It’s love, Jade. In whatever form it takes. And I know for a fact those guys love Millie just as much as I do. They’re good for her. And I know the men you’re with? They love you. Let them. Stop overthinking it.”

I blink, taken aback by the simplicity of his words. Let them. Like it’s that easy.

“I guess, I just...I don’t know,” I mutter, shaking my head. “It’s fucking complicated.”

“Love always is,” Finn says with a grin. “Doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.”

I finish working on his leg, wiping my hands on a towel as I lean back against the counter. “Thanks for the unsolicited therapy session, Finn.”

He laughs, standing up and testing his leg. “Anytime. Speaking of therapy, Millie and I were talking the other day, and we’d love to have you guys over for dinner. Bring the men. Saturday night?”

I raise an eyebrow. “All of us?”

“All of you,” Finn nods, his grin widening. “Millie misses you, and I’m sure the guys could use a break from...whatever it is you all do together.”

I snort. “Yeah, we’ll see if I can wrangle them. But sure, I’ll ask.”

“Good,” Finn says, clapping me on the shoulder. “I’ll tell Millie to expect you.”

As Finn leaves, I lean back in my chair, a weird mixture of relief and anxiety settling in my chest. Finn’s words echo in my head. Let them love you .

It sounds so damn easy when he says it. But it’s never that simple, is it?

***

I’m sipping on my orange juice, absently stroking Shadow’s fur. He’s gotten so big now, barely fitting on my lap, but that doesn’t stop him from trying. He’s sprawled across my legs, his head resting on my thigh, those big dark eyes staring up at me like he knows all my secrets.

“Jesus, you’re getting huge,” I mutter, scratching behind his ear. He lets out a contented grunt, stretching his paws out, claiming more of the couch as his territory.

The knock on the door makes me jump. Shadow perks up, ears alert, tail thumping against the cushion. I wasn’t expecting anyone. I set my glass down and push Shadow off me with a groan.

When I open the door, I freeze, caught off guard. Nate stands there, arms crossed, looking like he just stepped out of a damn GQ photoshoot, all casual confidence in his worn jeans and that tight shirt that hugs every inch of his muscles.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, blinking in confusion.

He smirks. “I’m here to take you to your checkup. It’s today, right?”

I blink again. Shit. “Uh...yeah, it is.”

Nate doesn’t waste any time. He leans in, presses a soft kiss against my lips, then pulls back, his eyes gleaming with something wicked. “You ready to go?”

I shake my head, a laugh bubbling up. “Not yet. I was having breakfast.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Breakfast? You call juice breakfast?”

“I call it whatever I want,” I shoot back, stepping aside to let him in.

He strolls in, glancing around the room like he owns the place, then plops down on the couch, making himself comfortable. Shadow immediately trots over to him, tail wagging like Nate’s his favorite person in the world. Traitor.

“You want some juice, Mr. I-Show-Up-Unannounced?” I ask, already heading to the kitchen.

“Sure,” Nate calls from the couch. “You look fucking sexy in that yellow dress, by the way.”

I pause mid-step, my face heating up. “Thanks.”

I pour him a glass of juice and walk back over, handing it to him. He takes it, but instead of drinking it, he sets it on the table, then stands, crowding into my space. I barely have time to react before his lips are on mine again, rougher this time, his hand slipping around my waist, pulling me flush against him.

“Nate...” I mumble between kisses.

“You taste good,” he mutters, trailing his mouth down my neck, his stubble grazing my skin. “So fucking good.”

My breath hitches as his hand slips down to grab my ass, pulling me harder against him. “What about practice?” I manage to get out, though my brain’s already short-circuiting.

“I left Declan in charge,” he says, kissing the spot just below my ear that makes me weak in the knees. “They’ll survive.”

He’s grinding against me now, his cock hard and pressing into my stomach. I bite back a moan, my hands gripping his shirt. “Nate, I…”

“You have a minute for a shower?” he interrupts, his voice low and rough. The question hangs in the air, heavy with implication.

I swallow hard, my body already melting against him. “Why?”

He grins, kissing the corner of my mouth before whispering, “Because you’re going to need it, baby.”

Fuck.

I laugh, but it’s shaky. Before I can respond, he’s already lifting me, hands gripping my thighs as he settles me on the kitchen counter. His fingers hook under the hem of my dress, lifting it up and over my head in one smooth motion. His eyes darken as they rake over my body, lingering on my breasts, my belly, my bare skin.

“God, you’re beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice hoarse. His hands slide up my thighs, pushing them apart as he steps between them.

My hands fly to the edge of the counter, gripping it tight as he enters me in one smooth thrust, each stroke sending sparks of pleasure through me.

“Nate...” I gasp, my head falling back. “Fuck, Nate.”

“Fuck, you’re wet,” he groans as he slides inside me, his cock stretching me in the best way. I let out a moan, my back arching as he thrusts deep, filling me completely.

He doesn’t stop, doesn’t slow down, his grip tightening on my thighs as he fucks me. It’s too much and not enough all at once. My body is tensing as the pleasure builds and builds.

My belly, now starting to show, presses against him as he moves. He cups it, his fingers splaying over the slight bump, his eyes locking on mine.

“You’re so fucking sexy,” he whispers, his voice rough with need. “Carrying my baby.”

I shudder at his words, my body reacting instantly. His mouth finds my breasts, his tongue flicking over my nipples, sucking and licking until I’m trembling beneath him, another orgasm ripping through me.

“Fuck, Jade,” he groans, his pace quickening as he drives into me harder, deeper. I can barely think, my mind lost in the haze of pleasure, the sound of skin slapping against skin filling the room.

I claw at his back, pulling him closer, needing more, always needing more of him.

He kisses me hard, his lips crushing mine as he thrusts one last time, spilling inside me with a deep growl.

We hold still for a moment, both of us panting, our bodies tangled together, slick with sweat. But Nate doesn’t stop. He lifts me again, carrying me to the small bathroom like I’m his personal prize.

“Shower time,” he murmurs, his voice husky.

Before I can protest, he’s already turning on the water and pulling me under the spray with him. His hands roam over my body, soapy and slick, his mouth finding mine in a slow, lazy kiss.

“Nate...” I breathe, barely able to string together a coherent thought.

He spins me around, pressing me against the cool tiles, his body hot against mine. I feel him harden again, and I laugh, breathless. “Already?”

He grinds against me, his breath hot on my ear. “I can’t get enough of you.”

Before I can respond, he’s inside me again, thrusting slow and deep, his hands gripping my hips, pulling me back against him. The water cascades over us, the steam rising around us, making everything feel surreal, like we’re the only two people in the world.

I lose myself in the sensation, the heat, the pleasure, my body moving in sync with his, each thrust pushing me closer to the edge again.

He groans, his grip tightening as he picks up the pace, his thrusts growing more urgent, more desperate. I meet him thrust for thrust, my fingers gripping the tiles as I come again, hard and fast, his name a scream on my lips.

Nate follows right after, his body jerking against mine as he spills inside me once more, his mouth pressing hot kisses to the back of my neck.

We stand there for a moment, both of us breathing hard, the water still running over us, washing away the sweat, the heat, the intensity.

Nate kisses the side of my neck, his lips soft and tender. “You okay?”

I laugh, breathless, my body still tingling from the aftershocks. “Yeah.”

He grins, pulling me close, and we stand there under the water, wrapped up in each other, not caring about anything else. For now, this is enough. Just us, together, in our little bubble.