Chapter 41: Rinkmates: Chapter 41

Turns out Ivan is a towering six-foot-six behemoth.

That Hulk of a man barely fits through doors and apparently is my bodyguard.

A grumpy giant who speaks minimal English and follows me everywhere. He’s sleeping in his car outside Riley’s apartment and refuses to leave my side. I have no clue where Riley found this man, but it’s ridiculous. I tried to get rid of him, but he didn’t understand me. I even tried in Hungarian. Not a chance. He blinked and that’s it.

I just hope Riley didn’t spend too much on this, but knowing him, he probably did, and it makes my stomach clench every time I think of it. Or every time I hear Ivan breathe behind me.

And Grace has taken the training sessions to a whole new level of friendly, even making Aiden suspicious as well. Turns out Riley had threatened Grace with a lawsuit if they didn’t find out who was responsible. Great. So much to solving my problems alone.

But they soon uncovered that Stacey was the one sabotaging us all along.

They caught her on camera stealing Riley’s shirt, then breaking a small mirror she had in her purse and scattering the pieces in my shoes. And she was the one who took the photo of Aiden and Ethan and sent it to tabloid magazines. On top of that, she stole Priya’s makeup and ruined the dresses of other skaters. That bitch.

They dropped her from the show immediately, and the media uproar was intense, leading to another round of interviews where I had to talk about toxic TV environments. I wanted to point out that the judges aren’t much better, but I need the money, so I channeled all my frustration into railing against Stacey. But the drama caused a huge uproar on the show, too, leaving only Priya, myself, and one other couple for the finals. I feel sorry for Stacey’s skating partner, Russell. He was nice but unlucky to be paired with her, so it’s over for him too. I knew it was Stacey all along, but I never thought I could prove it. I don’t feel guilty at all about her facing the consequences. She deserves it for every bit of pain she caused me and Aiden. It turns out she also leaked his relationship with Ethan, but we’re so ready for it. Ethan booked a ton of shows where we can talk about what happened on set after the finals. It’s going to be huge.

Every morning, Riley texts me and calls just to hear my voice. It’s actually sweet. I never would have thought he’d be this cute, especially not when he’s all macho out on the ice. I’m so gone for him it’s actually not even funny anymore.

But damn, watching his final game before the Cup with Priya at his apartment was absolutely exhilarating. Of course Ivan was there, too, watching while standing, but we pretty much ignored him because he doesn’t speak a lick of English anyway. When they won, Priya and I did this ridiculous victory dance in front of Ivan, who didn’t even bat an eye. Seriously, that man has the poker face of a champ. I can never tell what he’s thinking or feeling, if he even has emotions.

There’s just one game left before the Stanley Cup.

I couldn’t be prouder—or louder. I’m also thrilled that the final will be in New York because I’ve been missing him like crazy.

That night, Riley texts me from the hotel.

Puckster: What are you doing? I can’t sleep.

I snap him a pic of me in nothing but panties in bed.

He’s offline soon after, and I can’t help but worry. Did I go too far with sending that sexual photo? Maybe he just wanted to talk and not engage in anything physical. Maybe something happened.

Liora: Ri? Are you still here? What are you doing?

Puckster: You really wanna know?

Liora: Yes.

Stupid question.

As soon as I see the voice note, my heart skips a beat. I tap on it and hit Play, a rush of tingles spreading through me.

The sound of wet noises fills my ears—he’s pleasuring himself.

A sigh escapes his lips and I feel my panties grow damp.

Fuck, that sound was sexy.

I imagine his hand moving up and down his cock and a streak of electricity flares through me.

Puckster: This is what you do to me.

I don’t respond, instead, I’m listening to the rasp in his voice again and the wet flapping in the background again. Every part of me tingles when he moans for me, and I can’t resist slipping my hand into my panties, fingers working quickly over my clit as I crave that friction. Shit. This feels so good.

My phone buzzes again.

Puckster: Tell me, baby, are you touching yourself and thinking about me? That picture was so sexy, I’m so turned on right now.

I bite my lip, feeling a surge of pure thrill at his words. With one hand still pleasuring myself, I quickly type back a response with the other. “I’m touching myself while listening to those hot sounds you make. I’m so ready for you.”

But then my phone rings.

My heart races with nerves as I pick up, not sure if I’m ready for this but also unable to resist his deep voice begging for more. I’ve never had phone sex before. “Lia,” he growls, and I press my fingers harder against my clit. “Tell me what you’re doing.”

As he speaks, I hear that familiar sound again—the sound of him working himself over the phone. The intensity of it almost pushes me over the edge just from imagining it alone. I run my hand over my thigh, picturing it’s him, and then I go back to my clit. I wish he could be here and watch me. I wish he could see how much I’m loving this.

“I have my fingers on my pussy. I’m so warm, and soaking wet, Ri.”

“Are you petting it?” he croaks, his voice rough and strained.

“Yes,” I breathe.

A groan rumbles through my phone, it sounds like it came deep from his chest.

“I want to taste you. You taste so fucking good. I can’t stop thinking about my tongue on your pussy.” I can’t stop thinking about it too.

He moans again and my fingertips graze over my clit, swollen and throbbing. I can’t resist the urge to move my hips, grinding against my hand as I trace tight circles over my sensitive nub. I slid a finger into my pussy, gasping as I feel the warm, slick walls clench around me. In and out, in and out, matching the rhythm of his raspy voice in my head. My eyes flutter shut as I lose myself.

His breath hitches on the other end of the line. “Fuck, Lia. Tell me how wet you are for me.”

A flush creeps up my cheeks but I whisper, “So wet, Ri. I wish you were here to feel how wet you make me.”

He groans loudly at that, the sound sending a new wave through me. My fingers move faster now, rubbing tight. I imagine it’s Riley touching me, his strong hands knowing just how to play my body.

“I’m close,” I say.

“I’m there with you, baby,” he says, and I hear him pleasuring himself. I imagine his muscles tightening, how his hand moves fast over his pulsating cock, how he spills his cum. Oh my god. “I want to feel your mouth on my cock so bad.”

“I’d love to swallow your dick, Ri,” I say. “I can’t wait to kiss that cock of yours.”

“Say my name again.”

“Riley,” I say, and our heated moans mingle through the phone line as we both come so fucking hard.

I can’t wait for him to come home. Even though we won’t have much time together with the Stanley Cup game and my show coming up in three days, I really miss him.

I can’t believe the finals are starting in three hours. I’m a nervous wreck. I don’t want to bother Riley because he has the Stanley Cup final tonight, of course it has to be the same night as my show’s final. I wanted to see it so badly, and knowing we can’t be there to support each other just makes my nerves even more on edge. So I FaceTimed Rory.

He and Mom always manage to calm me down, and I know my little guy is watching every show. We FaceTime regularly, but since he’s only five, Trish, his Gran, told me he gets so upset every time we hang up that we agreed to limit calls to once a week. But we’ll finally get to live our lives together. It hurts like crazy that I can’t just hug him every other minute like I want to. I know Rory is hurting even more, especially since I understand how much mothers mean to their kids. That’s why I call my mom next.

She’s my best friend, and I need her right now—not just to ease my nerves before the show, but for some advice on the Riley situation.

I sit on a couch, chatting with her in Hungarian as Ivan stands guard nearby, keeping everyone at a distance. I take a deep breath, my fingers absently playing with the frayed edge of the cushion.

“I don’t know what to do, Mom. What if, in a few months, Riley thinks that I was his greatest mistake?”

It will crush me.

My mother’s gentle voice crackles through the speaker. “Sweetheart, you can’t let fear control your life. Sometimes, you have to take a chance on love. From what you’ve told me, Riley seems like a wonderful young man who genuinely cares for you. He wouldn’t have done all of that otherwise.”

I sigh, my eyes drifting to the bustling activity backstage. Everyone’s nervous for the big final. “But what about Rory? I can’t just bring someone new into his life without being sure.”

“Yes, just take it slow,” Mom suggests, her tone reassuring. “Get to know Riley better first. You don’t have to rush into introducing him to Rory. Not as a father figure, at least. Maybe just as a friend first? When the time feels right, you’ll know. You’re a smart girl.”

I nod, even though she can’t see me, so I quickly add, “I guess I’m just afraid of opening up again. To trust a man again.”

“That’s understandable, but remember, everyone deserves a chance at happiness. Don’t let your past experiences rob you of a potentially beautiful future. Maybe Riley is the one you’ve been searching for all along. If not, he’s not. Let him go. Get up on your feet again. I’m always here, honey.”

“Thanks, Mom. I needed to hear that. I love you.”

“I love you too. Now, go out there and shine. I’ll be cheering for you on our crappy couch.”

I laugh. “Can’t wait to see you and watch shows on a new couch.”

“I’ll cuddle the crap out of you and Rory soon, but for now, come on. Mingle. Have fun. Enjoy this last show as much as you can.”

“Bye, Mom.”

As I end the call, I lean back against the couch, my mind swirling with possibilities. Ivan catches my eye, and I offer him a small smile. He doesn’t move one fucking muscle. Maybe, just maybe, it really is time to take a leap of faith and see where this journey with Riley leads us.

Back in the dressing room, I prop my phone up on the vanity, determined to catch glimpses of the game. It starts an hour prior to our show. The screen flickers to life, and I see the ice, the players, and the roaring crowd. My heart swells with yearning as I watch Riley glide across the rink, his movements so strong and sexy.

Priya and Aiden join me, their arms laden with plates from the catering table. We huddle together, munching on an assortment of snacks, our eyes glued to the phone screen. Mason struts by, pausing in front of a mirror to admire his own reflection. He flexes his muscles, a smug grin plastered on his face, and we all exchange knowing glances, stifling our laughter.

He walks past us, frowning at the snacks in our hands. I roll my eyes and I realize that Riley helped me with another thing. He made me feel so comfortable in my own skin. I don’t give a damn about anyone thinking I should stick to the veggie sticks. I love my body and my man does too. I blink. My man? Holy—

“I can’t believe I ever found him attractive,” Priya says, snapping me out of my thoughts, cringing. We watch him stride out, winking at a makeup artist as if she should faint just because he acknowledged her. “He’s become such a jerk lately, especially with the finals approaching. And get this, I caught him texting seven different girls at the same time!”

Aiden and I share a look of disbelief before turning to Priya with sympathetic smiles. “Well, thank you for finally coming to your senses. We should find a self-help group for those other seven girls.”

“For sure,” Aiden says, munching away on a muffin, “you deserve so much better.”

“Did Derek text you again?” I ask.

“I thought you’d never ask,” she grins widely. “He did but you know with our schedule it’s not easy to find time to chat. We’ll see, I wanna focus on my school anyway.”

“You better,” I say.

I still remember her face vividly the moment I told her Riley and I were officially dating. She screamed so loud, I thought my ears might burst. Then she said she already knew because she’d read my horoscope. I just love her.

It’s hard to believe that this show turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me.

I earned enough to pay off my debts, build a future for my child, find real best friends, and meet a man I love. What more could I ask for? There’s nothing else I could possibly want.

As we continue to talk, the conversation shifts to our plans for the future, now that the competition is drawing to a close. Aiden mentions his desire to invest in his career, revealing that all the interviews he gave about coming out as an actor, lined up some promising casting opportunities for him. So many people are reaching out to him. It’s making me believe that our world truly has the potential to be a good place.

Priya’s eyes sparkle with excitement as she shares her dream of opening her own skating school.

“You know, you guys are always welcome to teach at my school whenever you want,” she offers, her voice filled with genuine warmth. “It would be an honor to have you both there.”

I smile. “That sounds wonderful, Priya. Pennsylvania is only two hours away from New York, so I’ll definitely consider it.” I pause, my thoughts turning to the future. “But if I win tonight, I think I’ll take several weeks off to spend time with my mom.” And Rory. “I found a beautiful house in a great neighborhood. Mom and I are going to check it out after the finals. If it’s the right fit, we’ll buy it with the money I earned. Then I just want to make the most of our time together—collecting moments and enjoying life.”

I glance at the phone once more, catching a glimpse of Riley skating toward the net. I hold my breath. Shit. Riley. Go! And then—he scores. “Fuck yes!” I scream, people turn to look as all three of us scream and jump, cheering. I just hope he wins. He’ll be soaring.

The thunderous applause of the audience snaps me back. “The show is starting,” I say, and we turn to the TV behind us that shows us exactly what people see on TV.

The hosts take the stage, and Priya takes my hand. She’s shivering slightly and I gently squeeze her. “We can do this,” I say, and she nods.

They welcome everyone to the grand finale of the show.

The stage lights flood the arena, and the crowd goes wild.

I catch glimpses of banners with our names held high. My heart skips a beat when I see one with Liora and Riley on it. We definitely won over some hearts last week. I have no idea how we did it, because all I could think of was that freaking pain in my legs, but I watched all the videos after. I spot countless videos on social media platforms, capturing snippets of our performance. Apparently, no one could tell that I was slightly off my game that night. With every move we made together, Riley and I were mesmerizing to watch. Don’t get me wrong, Aiden and I have great chemistry, too, but there is just something special between me and Riley that everyone can sense. And that ending lift? It’s always being clipped and shared online. Especially when Riley kissed my forehead. So tender. So much love in that little move. All I see is wild concern in his eyes. But the fans see wild love and aren’t that wrong.

Shayleen and Tim crack some silly jokes while snippets of our journey flash across the massive screen behind them. I watch, transfixed, as clips of our training sessions and all those interviews play out before the entire arena.

And then, there we are—Riley and me, our chemistry undeniable even through the lens of a camera.

We gave an interview where he made a little joke about me being impressed by his skills. I playfully hit him, and he winked at me in response. We then spent a few seconds just staring at each other. Although I hadn’t realized we held the gaze that long, but I remember exactly what I was thinking: how much I wanted to kiss him and how I hated that the camera was filming us. Oh, we kissed after that interview.

Backstage, the energy is electric. Aiden paces back and forth, his eyes closed as he mentally rehearses our routine. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves, too, but it’s impossible to ignore the gravity of this moment. One million. I could own one fucking million.

“Hey,” Aiden says softly, placing a hand on my shoulder. “We’ve got this. You and me, okay?”

I nod. “Let’s show them what we’re made of,” I reply, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach.

As we wait for our cue, I glance down at my phone one last time.

Let’s win this shit.