Hot Shot

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  Author’s Note

  Hot Shot

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Epilogue

  Thank you!

  Heart Beat (Preview)

  Lulu Pratt’s Books

  Copyright

  Copyright © 2020 by Lulu Pratt

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Author’s Note

  Hot Shot is a full-length 60,000+ word novel. Please note it ends at 91%.

  Thank you for reading this. I hope you enjoy Hot Shot.

  I’ve also included a preview of my book, Heart Beat, for your enjoyment.

  Happy reading,

  Lulu xoxo

  Hot Shot

  A Bad Boy Sports Romance

  I was one of the toughest players on ice – until she melted my heart.

  Like most hockey players I went through the one-and-done puck bunny phase.

  I knew what my smile did to women and I had no problem using it against them.

  But Elyse is different.

  Something in her past pushes everyone away, yet she feels safe when she’s with me.

  She’s gorgeous and I can’t forget her curves or how she comes alive with my touch.

  I’m learning that I can’t deal with problems in real life the way I handle them on the ice.

  I’m determined to win her. It’s hard, but with Elyse, I’m playing for keeps.

  ***Sizzling hot alpha full-length romance novel with no cliffhangers, no cheating, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after***

  Dedication

  To my fans.

  Thank you – now and always.

  Chapter 1

  ELYSE

  I DROVE THROUGH downtown Denver and groaned at the traffic. I was getting together with my best friend for drinks after meeting with an art gallery that was going to show my work in six weeks. Even though I was introverted and lived on the edge of town for a reason, she knew that I’d be in the city, and was determined to get me out for the evening.

  Tori was so not introverted. She had bright blonde and red hair and an equally vibrant personality, the total opposite of mine, but I adored her. We’d known each other since high school and remained in Colorado together.

  I stopped at a red light and switched the radio to something on my phone. I needed an upbeat song to get me through the next few blocks and in the mood to handle strangers. I smiled when “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” played over the speakers of my SUV. There were days I’d rather get caught up in a happy song than deal with the real world, which was why I was a good artist. Tori told me all the time that I just needed to get my talent out there and make a living from it. I’d been working in a cozy little second-hand bookstore to keep busy for the last two years as I created art in my spare time.

  I finally saw the bar I was meeting Tori at and made my way slowly to the closest parking garage. I threw everything into my purse and draped it over my body before I checked to make sure I had the keys. Locking the door with a quick press of a button, I made my way to the street and turned right. I glanced around at the people walking around me, smiling as I ducked my head. I had no idea how I was supposed to handle an art show based around my art, but I’d figure it out. That or I’d drink all night.

  I pushed my long thick black hair away from my face before grabbing the door handle. I was feeling a little too fancy for this bar, but I was here now. I’d put on a long skirt and blouse for my earlier meeting, and even a little make-up. I searched the large room for Tori, smiling when I saw her bright hair near the end of the bar. I wondered for a moment what I would do if she ever decided to go back to her natural hair color, as the bright colors were what I always searched for when I was looking for her. However, I wasn’t sure even if Tori knew what her natural color was anymore. I started over, pausing when I saw a group of men gathered around her as she laughed at something one of them said. She was the center of attention and in her element.

  Tori worked in public relations, and as a result, she knew a lot of people. She represented several celebrities and worked significant events all over the state, even leaving for the West Coast sometimes. I scanned the group tonight, taking in the stocky men curiously. They had to be in sports based on their muscular builds, but I had no idea what team.

  Tori looked around with a smile, saw me and waved me over. I sighed to myself as I pressed through her adoring crowd. She waggled her eyebrows at me and sipped her drink with delight before introducing me, with a strong emphasis on my upcoming art show, to the members of the local major league hockey team. I blushed, feeling my face heat, nodding to them as I said hello.

  As Tori’s attention was drawn away by a story from one of the men standing next to her, I felt a gentle touch on my elbow.

  I turned and faced one of the players grinning at me. He leaned in, “I’ve heard this one before; you might need a drink to get through it. Can I get you one?”

  He stood out somehow in this group with an intensity that I didn’t often find in people. His hair was long and hung in slight waves around his face, and his deep green eyes were mesmerizing. He was built like a Greek god.

  “I’ll have a margarita, please,” I said quietly.

  “Traditional?” he asked, and I nodded. “Here, have my seat, I’ll be back in a moment.” He turned to the bar and was back before I had a chance to come up with an excuse to leave.

  “Thank you,” I said as he handed me the glass and a napkin.

  “My pleasure.”

  “What do you do with the team?” I asked, figuring he would want to talk about himself.

  He smirked for a second. “What do I do for the team? I’m guessing you’re not a fan?”

  I closed my eyes for a moment. “Busted. I don’t watch a lot of sports. I don’t think I have the attention span,” I admitted, knowing that my mind was always racing a million miles an hour. It was hard to sleep some nights, but that had almost always been the case since my mother died when I was a child. Everyone told me that I survived for a reason. My mom was the kindest person I knew, volunteered for everything, and was a talented artist. Dad told me I got it from her since he worked with investments and had been distant since the tragedy.

  “It’s a great game,” he continued, snapping me out of my memories. “There’s a lot of action out there, and it gets under your skin if you give it a chance,” he assured me with a confident grin as I looked into his eyes. He looked like he’d been in a fight or two over the years, and I suspected that he broke his nose at some point; however, it didn’t look bad with the bump on the ridge. “Anyway, I work around the goal to defend it and also take care of my boys when needed.”

  “The tough guy?” I asked.

  “Something like that. Not your thing
?” he queried as I sipped the sweet liquid.

  To be honest, violence terrified me. “Not particularly. I’m a bit of a homebody,” I replied in a soft tone.

  “That’s what makes you a good artist, isn’t it?” he asked.

  “Maybe. I also work in a second-hand bookstore, so that’s equally low key.”

  “Tori says you’re the best out there,” he continued, glancing at my friend as she laughed at the story that was still being told. I knew that Tori drew a lot of attention from men in her profession, as well as just in her life. She was such a free spirit that I knew she must have had relationships and flings over the years. Maybe even with women. She was one to have a good time whenever possible, but I didn’t ask for details as I knew she would press me for mine.

  “She’s nothing if not supportive,” I smiled as something hit me. “Do I detect an accent?”

  “Yup, my mom is from Quebec, and my father is from Scotland. My name, by the way, is Ryder, with a Y,” he chuckled and stuck out his hand for me to shake.

  “Elyse, with two Es,” I replied with a smile, shaking his hand. It was warm and strong and I could feel a few calluses.

  “I’ve spent time in both places,” he continued. “But Dad moved to Canada to be with my mom when they met on one of his work trips. He was an airline pilot back then.”

  “I suppose that Ryder is typically a last name,” I mused.

  He nodded. “The guys call me Bells, after my last name, Bellamy. I’ll never live it down.” He scowled for a moment, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ve asked my dad what the hell he was thinking with Ryder, but it’s a family name. My grandmother’s maiden name.” He looked into my face as his smile faded. “Elyse suits you.”

  “It’s a little unusual and old-fashioned, but I like it. My grandma’s name.” I grinned at the memory of my spunky second mom.

  “Ah, we’re both named after our grandmothers.” He chuckled at his joke, and I smiled.

  We chatted throughout the night as people stopped by to talk to the guys. Ryder was polite and grateful, but he focused on me as much as possible. I knew that Tori was watching us. I ignored her and whatever ideas she was possibly hatching. I was not cut out to date someone as well-known as Ryder. I had a few relationships over the years, and none ended well.

  When I decided it was late enough, I smiled at Tori and then Ryder. “I should go. I’m opening tomorrow.”

  “Is it the Twice Told Tales place?” Ryder asked. I caught Tori’s eyes widen.

  “Yeah, it is.” I stood, and he followed suit as I gazed into his eyes for a moment. “It was great to meet you, Ryder. Thanks for the drink.” I’d had only the one margarita and drank water since then, so I knew I could get home okay.

  “You’re okay to drive?” he asked, and I nodded.

  “I stopped early. I hate hangovers, and I have to work early in the morning,” I smiled.

  “I’ll walk you to your car.” Ryder dropped a bill on the bar, and I looked at him in surprise.

  “I’m right out front,” I protested, feeling uncomfortable at the idea of being alone with him as I already knew that I couldn’t trust myself.

  Chapter 2

  RYDER

  ELYSE WAS GORGEOUS, but I could also see how complex she was from the moment I met her. She had beautiful eyes and a lovely laugh. Her voice was soft and her lips were plump. I was transfixed by her. There was some sadness in her, but she also lit up the room. She seemed completely unaware of that and preferred to stay behind the scenes.

  Tori was a force to be reckoned with and a great girl. I also knew that my teammate Justin had his eye on her and I wouldn’t get in his way even if I wanted to. I knew I didn’t want to. I’d been playing for eight years and was well over the puck bunny phase. I hadn’t been serious with anyone, but at twenty-nine, I was starting to think about it. I wouldn’t be playing hockey forever, and then I’d have time for the family stuff. I had yet to meet that woman who wowed me, but I was interested in Elyse as someone to get to know. She made me feel that more than anyone had in a while.

  I watched her say goodbye to everyone and hug Tori. Her best friend had a huge smile on her face, and I knew that this evening would be a topic of discussion at some point. Once Elyse was ready to go, I opened the door for her, and she led me to the parking garage. It might be early at ten, but it was dark and not safe for her to walk alone. I glanced at her faded SUV as she unlocked the doors and then turned to face me.

  “Thank you,” she smiled, and I took in her full lips with a long look. “This was sweet of you.”

  “Not a problem,” I said as I stepped closer. “I’d like to take you out sometime, Elyse.”

  “I… don’t date. I’m focused on my artwork.” She looked at the ground as she spoke, and I frowned.

  “I am not asking you for anything serious. Not yet.” She gasped and looked up at me. “I am just fascinated, and I want to get to know you.” I smiled, and she flushed a deep pink. “You do know I have a hectic schedule? Our season starts next month, and I travel a lot.”

  “That sounds okay,” she finally said, and I grinned. I knew what my smile did to women, and I had no problem using it against her. She blushed deeper, and I asked her for her phone number. She stammered a little as she gave it to me, and I entered it into my contacts. I told her I’d call her and leaned in to peck her on the cheek.

  “Get home safe,” I typed into my phone, and she glanced down at her purse as a beep came from its depths. “I sent you a text. Let me know that you got home safe?”

  “Y-Yes,” she replied in a shaky voice, staring at me for a moment before getting into her car. I felt a little shaky myself after kissing her warm skin. She was flawless, and I felt the heat between us just with the brief contact that we had. I stepped back as she started the SUV and backed out. She smiled at me nervously as she pulled away and I leaned against the wall.

  I knew there was something special about Elyse. I didn’t know what it was, but a night of wild sex wouldn’t fix it as it had with other women in the past. Once she was gone, I headed back to the bar, where I was sure to get shit for spending so much time with Elyse.

  I wasn’t wrong about my return to the bar and got some gentle ribbing from the guys about my focus on Elyse, but I still smiled when she responded to my text twenty minutes later that she got home safely.

  The team was now practicing and working out on a near-daily basis to prepare for the upcoming season. I knew it didn’t offer me a lot of time to date, but I could spend a little time getting to know more about Elyse. I asked her out at the beginning of the following week when the team had a day off, calling her in the morning. Elyse sounded surprised and a little nervous despite the fact we had been messaging one another daily.

  I wasn’t getting a lot out of her. I knew that I could ask Tori for more information, but that wasn’t my style. She was seeing Justin, but I let them enjoy it on their own. Elyse and Tori were different people. When I asked her out, and she agreed, I started making plans for a nice night with her. I looked into restaurants and picked a good seafood place after asking if she liked it and went from there.

  I picked Elyse up that night, glancing around the townhouse where she lived on the edge of the city. It was older but charming. It was perfect for an artist. I could imagine one of the small rooms serving as a studio. She was wearing a light green dress that had a vintage look with some pumps, finishing the look off with a black cardigan sweater.

  “Is this good?” she asked as I took her in with approving eyes.

  “Perfect.”

  She blushed. Her hair was straight tonight and cascaded over her shoulders. “But you’re okay in heels? I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.” She looked down at her feet, hesitantly.

  “I am. I wear these at work a lot,” she replied, and I smiled. Elyse grabbed her purse and crossed it over her full chest before grabbing her keys.

  She led the way out, and our hands brushed together when I closed the
door and she moved to lock it. I felt the tingle as her eyes widened, meaning she felt it as well. I led the way to my new black Range Rover and opened her door for her, I watched her as she climbed in. Elyse was curvy in all the best ways, resembling a ‘40s pinup girl. I closed the door and walked around the front.

  I started the car and turned on the radio as we drove to the restaurant. She looked up as I parked and smiled as I walked around to let her out. There was a chance I’d be recognized here, but Elyse deserved to have a great night out. I was good at managing my personal life when I was out, but a bit worried that the paparazzi would start digging into her life. I’d been mentioned in the society sections and gossip blogs a couple of times over the years.

  We walked inside, and I appreciated the dim lighting. The focus here was the skyline of the downtown buildings at night. I picked the time when the sun was setting, and smiled as the hostess led us to a table in a quiet corner that offered the best view.

  “Oh my word,” Elyse said as we were seated, looking out at the vibrant skyline. “This is beautiful.”

  “It is. The food is great as well,” I told her as a waiter stopped by to ask what we wanted. “Wine or a mixed drink?”

  “Wine would be great, but whatever you want is fine.” Elyse smiled, but I sensed that she was nervous.

  “A bottle of your best white wine, please.” I nodded at the young waiter, and he blushed with recognition. I respected the fact that he didn’t say anything, instead choosing to make his way through the room to get the wine. I settled back into my chair and took in Elyse. “You look beautiful.”

  “Ah… thank you. I think anyone would be in this light.” She smiled, and it lit up the room as much as the sunset along with the candles in the room. “It’s such a beautiful view.”

  “Do you enjoy living in Colorado?” I asked as she kept staring out of the window. “Hold that thought. Have you always lived here?” Something flashed in her eyes as a new waiter brought a bottle of wine to our table, uncorking it for my approval. I nodded, eager to hear her answer. He poured the wine into the glasses and set two glasses of ice water down from a tray beside him.