Nowhere You Can be That Isn't Where You're Meant to Be Part 1 of 4
Title: Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be (Part 1 of 4)
Author: a2h and mistokath13
Team: Detroit Red Wings
Pairing: Darren Helm/Drew Miller/OFC
Warning: het, slash, threesome
Word Count: 24,818
Disclaimer: We don't own Drew or Darren (darn it!) but we do own Bri and we live vicariously through her. :)
Summary: Sometimes everyone wants the same thing. The only problem is that no one wants to say these things out loud. So, what happens when all three of them are forced to admit their feelings for each other?
A/Ns: Thank you to Ginny, Mer and Eve, who all read it and helped us get things in order. If there are any mistakes, they belong to us. This started out as a one shot and turned into a trilogy. LOL But we love it anyways. Hope someone out there enjoys it as well.
Darren Helm watched his linemate, Drew Miller, as he scooped up a puck with his stick and skated toward him. Practice was dying down and most of the guys had gone into the locker room, so it was just him, Drew and a few others left on the ice.
"Helmer!" Drew called as he got closer. "You haven't left yet?"
"Nah," Darren replied and grinned. "Why would I wanna leave when I still need to teach you how to score?"
Drew snorted, loud enough to be heard across the ice. "As if you score more than I do," he called before passing the puck. "Show me what you've got!"
Darren laughed and easily took control of the puck. "You better take lessons," he taunted. "Cause I'm only gonna show you this once." He looked into Drew's eyes as he started skating toward him, keeping the puck close to his stick.
"If you miss the open net, you're gonna buy me dinner!" Drew called out and stood back, to watch.
"Cheap ass," Darren muttered before taking the shot.
The puck hit the post audibly, slid along the goal line, hit the other post, and skipped out of the goal again.
Drew started laughing.
"Dammit," Darren swore and turned to the other man. "Somehow you cheated," he stated. "And I am not buying you dinner. I've got a date with Bri tonight."
"Buy me lunch tomorrow, then," Drew answered and slowly skated toward the tunnel. "Because you know as well as I do that I didn't cheat." He took off his helmet and shook his head. "Where are you taking her?"
"Someplace where I have to make her dress up," Darren replied with a shrug. "And we're on for lunch tomorrow. Or you could just go with us tonight. You know that Bri loves you."
Drew shook his head. "You know it never ends well if you take your best friend on a date. Unless you're looking to give her a reason to dump you."
"Nah, she's been with me forever. She should be used to me by now." Darren stopped in front of his locker and sat down, reaching for his skates. "Oh, that reminds me. She wanted me to ask if you wanted to come over this weekend. She's trying this new recipe for barbecue and wants to know if you'll help me test it."
Drew shrugged, the movement hidden by the jersey he was dragging up and over his head at the same time. "Sure, why not?" he called back.
"Great." Darren smiled as he pulled off his jersey. "She'll be looking forward to seeing you." He started to remove his shoulder pads. "What time for lunch tomorrow? Or are you going to admit that you cheated?"
"I didn't cheat!" Drew started to peel off the tape off his socks. "You're just a sore loser. We can go right after the morning skate, and you can even pick where we're going."
"I'm competitive," Darren teased and nudged Drew's shoulder. "And you always cheat to make me look bad at practice," he added teasingly.
"You're not competitive," Drew answered and tossed a ball of tape at Darren's head, "you're obsessed."
"You say that like you're surprised or something." Darren picked up the tape and tossed it into his locker. He quickly removed the last of his uniform before picking up his shower bag. "What are your plans tonight?"
Drew shrugged. "Don't know yet, man." He stood and wrapped a towel around his hips before following Darren into the showers.
"What ever happened to that redhead that you were dating?" Darren asked curiously as he turned on the shower. "Haven't heard you mention her in a while."
Drew was facing the wall, his head tipped back as soap and shampoo slowly ran down his back, but he shrugged in answer to Darren's question. It was all he needed to know, and he decided to let the topic drop for now.
Both men were quiet as they finished up their showers. Darren let his mind wander as the hot water beat against his shoulders, and tried to figure out the best place to take Bri for dinner. They had a long road trip coming up in a few days and he always felt guilty leaving her alone for days at a time.
It was part of his job, a job he loved, and both he and Bri had accepted a long time ago that this was the way it was going, but it didn't stop the feelings from welling up in him everytime a trip drew closer.
"Have a good night with Bri," Drew remarked, bringing Darren back to the present. "And don't do anything with her that I wouldn't," he added with a laugh as he walked out of the showers.
Darren shook his head, sending droplets of water flying in every direction, while chuckling amusedly. He finished his shower, taking his time, and by the time he came back into the locker room, Drew was already dressed and tying the laces of his shoes.
"I'll let you know when Bri's cooking," Darren said with a laugh as he dropped his towel and reached for his clothes. "And see you in the morning. Have a good night with whatever you decide that you're going to do."
"Yeah, you too," Drew answered and shrugged into his jacket. "See ya."
Darren nodded and was soon walking out of the locker room, pulling his jacket on as he walked through the doors. He hummed softly to himself as he made his way through the building and stepped into the parking lot. "Hot damn," he said with a whistle as he spotted the brunette leaning against his car. "You've got to be the sexiest damn puck bunny that I've ever seen."
"You're just saying that to get in my pants," she retorted with a smile.
"Nah, I know exactly how to get in your pants," he assured her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Waiting long?" he asked just before he kissed her deeply, his tongue sliding through her mouth easily.
"You know I'm never in a hurry," Bri replied and rested her forehead on his shoulder as she took several deep breaths. "How was practice?"
"Good," he answered and kissed the top of her head. "Drew and I made a stupid bet and now I've gotta take him to lunch tomorrow after the morning skate. Oh, and he said he'd be there this weekend. Just needs to know what time."
"Awesome," she murmured into his jacket. "How you take me home now and we talk about some other things there?"
He squeezed her tightly and nodded. "Okay," he said, his voice gentle as he held her for another moment. "Let's get out of here. Have you decided what you want for dinner tonight?"
She laughed and wrapped one arm around his waist, to squeeze his ass. "You?"
"Ah, Darlin', you can have me any time you want," he promised and knew he was grinning like a fool. "I love you, Bri. More than anything."
She laughed and took a step back. "Love you too. You're driving."
"Of course." He moved away from her and opened the car door. "After you, my lady," he requested. She stepped past him and he caught the scent of vanilla, a scent that he would always associate with the woman he had been with for the past six years.
He had met her when he was sixteen. He had been walking through one of the hockey rinks near his hometown and had literally ran into her as they had walked through a doorway. For him, it had been love at first sight. A combination of her long brown hair, and sky blue eyes, had made him feel like he was sucker punched in the gut. Then, when she had looked at him and had smiled, he had known that no other woman would ever make him have that feeling again.
He waited until she was safely in the seat before closing the door and jogging the few steps around to the driver's side. "What'cha wanna talk about, Beautiful?" he asked as he fastened his seat belt and started the car.
She grinned and swept her hair over her shoulder. "Actually, I want to talk about having you on your back, in our bed," she began, a teasing smile forming around her lips. "It's been long since you let me do that to you."
"You gonna tie me up?" he asked, returning her teasing smile as he let the car warm up.
"Now there's a great idea," she murmured appreciatively. "You, helpless, under me..." She laughed. "Yeah, that sounds like fun."
Darren could feel the blood rushing toward his dick as she laughed. "Hot damn, woman, you're going to make it very, very difficult for me to drive. And I have every intention of holding you to that." He looked over at her and grinned. "Just make sure to untie me before I have to leave for the morning skate. Deal?"
"Oh, do I have to?" She pretended to pout, but Darren knew her better than to fall for it.
"Maybe," he finally said as he pulled out of the parking lot and turned toward their house. "Should I stop somewhere for take out? That way we don't have any interruptions once we get home?"
"That'd be great," she answered and reached over, to squeeze his thigh gently. "Let's have a nice quiet evening together at home."
"You quiet?" he asked with a short laugh. "You, my love, have no idea how to be quiet." He glanced at her quickly and winked. "And that's one of the many things I love so much about you."
She blushed slightly, but she refused to look away from him, a stubborn gleam in her eyes. She was well aware that being quiet was not something she was good at, but it didn't mean she was always comfortable getting teased about it.
"Darlin', if you don't scream tonight, then I'll take it personal," he teased.
She smiled again. "Can't have that," she agreed. "Italian for dinner tonight?"
"Sounds wonderful." He smiled at her before returning his attention to the road. "And I get you for dessert. A perfect evening, as far as I'm concerned."
"Perfect," she echoed and relaxed into her seat. "So, what's new in the exciting world of professional hockey?"
It was mostly a rhetorical question, meant to keep the conversation between them flowing, but she couldn't deny that she enjoyed the enthusiasm in his voice as he told her about some of the antics of his teammates. She was sure that his stories were heavily edited, but she didn't care.
"And then Drew started laughing so hard, he fell on his ass. Right there at center ice," Darren said several minutes later as the scent of their dinner filled the car, his words slightly garbled as he started laughing as well. "It was the funniest damn thing." He shook his head fondly and pulled into their driveway. "You should have seen the look on Coach's face. Told Drew that he needed to learn how to stay on his damn skates if he wanted to keep playing."
She giggled. "Poor Drew," she managed to say before starting to laugh again. "What did he do?"
"Looked up at Coach like a scared kid and nodded as he tried to stand. And then, almost in slow motion, Coach tried to help him up but only ended up next to Drew on the ice." Darren snickered. "It's a damn good thing that Coach likes him, or I'm guessing Drew would have been in the dog house for the rest of the season."
Bri nodded. "Drew's a good guy," she said simply. "And you're lucky he didn't get you back for that!"
"He will," Darren said with a nod. "I'm completely positive of it." He got out of the car and quickly walked to the other side to open the passenger door. "I'm not sure how yet, but he will." He helped her stand, taking the bag of carry out, before placing his hand on the small of her back. "What did you do all day while I was playing with the guys?"
She shrugged. "A few things here and there. I took care of some of the bills and stuff." She tossed her hair over her shoulder and grinned. "The fun part of my day is about to start, now that you're home."
He reached up before he could stop himself and ran his fingers slowly through her hair. "Oh yeah," he murmured and licked his lips. "I promise to be lots of fun and only squirm a little."
Her eyes followed the moves of his tongue as if she was mesmerized. "Yeah," she answered. "We should go inside."
He nodded once and guided her to the door. "Too cold to have sex outside anyways," he muttered as he unlocked the front door and opened it for her. "Should we eat now or wait?"
Instead of answering, she threaded her fingers into his short, blond hair and pulled him down to her. Their mouths met in a deep, passionate kiss.
He could feel his body responding her to like it was the very first time she had touched him. "Love you," he breathed against her lips as he pushed his hand under her shirt and let it rest against her stomach. "More than anything," he added and kissed her again, letting their food slid out of his other hand and landing softly at his feet.
She grinned and let her head fall back, exposing the long line of her pale throat. "Even more than hockey?"
"Even more than hockey," he whispered. He ran his tongue down her neck and inhaled deeply. "More than the Stanley Cup too," he added before placing several open mouthed kisses against her throat.
She chuckled softly and wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself tightly against his front.
"You remember where you put the restraints?" he whispered as he pulled back just far enough so he could look into her eyes.
She nodded and brushed a kiss against his lips before pulling back. "Yeah, I do."
"Then I'll go unpack our dinner," Darren said. He smiled as he picked up the bag of food that was still at his feet and winked at her. "Unless you don't want to eat now."
"Better eat now, as long as it's still hot," she decided and walked past him, into the kitchen. "You can be my dessert."
Darren stayed where he was and took several deep breaths as he watched her walk. He would be anything this woman desired. Dessert, dinner, midnight snack, breakfast, hell, he'd even be her lunch if that's what she wanted.
"I really did something right," he muttered to himself. With one last deep breath, which did nothing to sooth the raging desire in his body, he started after her. "You coming to the game tomorrow?" he asked as he took the empty chair next to her at the table. "Or do you have some hot date planned?" he added with a teasing smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"I'd love to come to the game," she answered and handed him a fork. "There's this hot guy on the fourth line I'm having my eyes set on."
"Do I need to tell Kindl to keep his paws off my girl?" Darren asked as he opened the container and placed her food in front of her.
She laughed. "Would you really do that?"
"You bet I would," he replied and smiled at her. "I'm not sharing you with Kindl."
She laughed. "That begs to ask the question who you'd share me with."
Darren's laughter soon joined hers. "Well ... there is Emma and Svetlana," he replied. "Don't forget Annika, Drew, and Jenna."
She shook her head amusedly. "Yeah, you know that half of your teammates are going to check you so hard for that thought alone," she answered dryly. "As if they'd share their girls, either."
Darren grinned and looked down at his plate. He was amused by her reaction yet very relieved that she hadn't caught him saying his best friend's name. Or if she had, she had probably just blown it off as the older man being his closest friend on the team and didn't pay any attention to it.
"They wouldn't," he finally said. "And I'm not telling Cap, or Dats, about that comment." He let out a small laugh. "Oz would probably hide all of my gear and Z would glare at me for the rest of my time with the team."
"Or really check you into the boards hard enough to lose all your teeth," she agreed as she continued to eat.
"Hey! Most of them are still mine," he grumbled.
"Yeah, but you haven't tried to steal anyone's wife yet, right?" She grinned widely. "Not sure I'd love you as much as I do if you had no teeth left..."
"The only wife I'd steal is you," he said, grinning at her. "And give me about five more years and I might not have any teeth left."
"What a shame." She winked at him and put down her fork. "I like you with teeth."
"Then I'll just keep getting fake teeth. Just to make you happy, of course," he assured her with a small smile. He looked at her plate before glancing at his own. "You done?"
She glanced down as well. "Yes," she said and smiled. "Hey, Darren?"
He could feel his heart start to beat faster as he looked at her smiling face. God he loved this woman. "Yes, Bri?" he whispered, slightly surprised by the hitch in his voice.
"I really, really love you, okay?"
"Why does this sound like it's going to turn into a bad conversation suddenly?" Darren asked, his eyebrows furrowing together in worry. "Something wrong, baby?"
"No, all fine," she replied hastily. "I just...it just felt right to say it, you know?" She blushed and shrugged. "Just...one of those special moments."
Darren relaxed and nodded. "I really, really love you too," he promised and leaned over to kiss her softly. "Now ... what's this about me for dessert?"
She smiled. "Sounds really delicious. Why don't you go to the bedroom and I'm going to join you as soon as I put away the dishes and things?"
"I'll be waiting." He winked at her before standing and walking toward their bedroom. He took off his clothes, careful to put them in the hamper, and stretched out on the soft mattress. He let his mind wander as he thought about what she was going to do to him once she came upstairs.
His body started to react slightly to the thoughts he was entertaining, and he smiled slightly. She really was one in a million, and he was a very lucky guy to have a girl like her.
There was nothing he wanted more than her.
His mind flashed to a memory, a shower, and his smile turned into a grin as he remembered the sight of drops of water running down the length of a spine, closed eyes, short hair, darkened by water and plastered to a skull, and the blueish tinge of a puck-shaped bruise right above a hip...
He frowned slightly and leaned up on his elbows - that wasn't a memory of Bri, that much was for certain.
"What the hell," he whispered under his breath as he looked around the room. He desperately tried to recall the memory again - or at least a reason as to why he would be thinking of his best friend in the shower. Especially his *very naked* best friend in the shower.
Or why he'd thought about it now, of all times.
"Fuck," he grumbled as he flopped back against the bed. He took several deep breaths before he realized that the mental image of Drew in the shower hadn't reduced his hard on any. In fact, he was hard enough to pound nails. "Double fuck."
"Are you complaining about something or are you hoping for something?" Bri asked from the door.
His gaze shot to her and he forced a smile. "Thinking of you, Darlin'," he answered. "And hoping for seconds."
For some reason, he suddenly felt uncomfortable. This was not a fantasy he wanted to share with her, or with anyone at all.
"Seconds," she said, repeating his request. "I believe that I can grant seconds. That is if you can still think when we're done with firsts."
Darren chuckled and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. He'd try to figure out what his fantasy of Drew meant later - much later. But, for now, he'd concentrate on his Bri.
She more than deserved it, and she would stop his thoughts from straying to other people.
He stretched and placed his arms over his head, grabbing the headboard with both hands. "I hope you always know how much I trust you," he whispered, meeting her gaze. "Now, you gonna fuck me or what?"
She grinned. "With pleasure." Her hand wrapped teasingly light around his length. "My pleasure."
"I'm sure it'll be mine too," he said as he watched her hand move along his dick.
"I'm sure of that too," she promised and moved to straddle his hips.
Darren smiled as he looked over and watched her slender hands fasten the restraints around his wrists. He tugged gently and was pleased with the tiny amount of give. "Now that I'm completely helpless, what do you plan on doing to me?" he asked before lowering his eyelids slightly. "Please don't harm my innocent virtue."
She bent down and kissed him deeply. "What is this innocent virtue you're talking about?" she teased.
"Didn't you know that I'm sweet and innocent?" Darren grinned. "I'm pure as white snow."
She laughed. "Should I call Drew, ask him if you hit your head on the ice today?"
"Nah, but you could call him and let him listen to you scream as you come all over my dick," Darren replied and lifted his lips into a small smirk. "I'm positive that would make him very jealous."
Bri swallowed as she thought about it. For some reason she didn't know, the thought of Drew listening in on them having sex was very arousing and leaving her, at the same time, confused - did Darren find out that she sometimes had fantasies about his best friend? But if he had, why hadn't he told her so? He didn't look as if he was looking for a fight. And maybe, she thought, this was like a test, and he wanted to make sure that she really just loved him, which she did, of course.
What was she supposed to tell him? She didn't know.
"Hey, Beautiful," Darren said softly, his left arm tugging as his restraint, like he was trying to console her. "I was only kidding," he added quickly, not sure how the idea of Drew listening to them have sex made his heart beat a little fast and his palms sweaty in arousal. "You don't have to call anyone."
"I'm not calling anyone," she assured him quickly. "I'm not sharing you with anyone."
Darren nodded and tried not to make his smile look as forced as it felt. "Then just scream for me," he said softly.
She grinned as she moved herself over his erection and slowly took it into her, inch by inch, enjoying every second and every sensation of it.
"God, you feel good," he hissed through clenched teeth as he looked into her eyes.
She didn't reply, too focused on the feeling of being stretched by him and having him, or at least a part of him, in her.
"Bri," he finally whispered as she started to move, rocking her hips against his. He felt like he was already going to burst, the nonstop teasing since leaving the arena had him more worked up than he initially thought. Can't come yet, he ordered himself and glanced over her shoulder, focusing on a spot on the ceiling.
"Look at me," she gasped, her hands coming to rest on his chest for leverage as she took him deep inside her.
"Oh God," he breathed and met her gaze. He knew his eyes were slightly unfocused and he could feel the sweat sliding down his face and along his neck. "So good," he added as he thrust up, pushing himself even deeper into her.
She stretched out over him, her hands braced on his forearms, and pulled away before sinking down onto him again and again.
"That's it, Baby," he encouraged as he tried to meet each of her thrusts. "Love what you do to me."
"Love you," she said breathlessly. "So much."
"Same here," he vowed and angled his hips slightly. He grinned when she cried out softly. "Yeah, right there," he stated simply and tried to push deeper into her.
He knew exactly what he was doing to her, and he took advantage of that knowledge now to make her feel good even when he wasn't able to use his hands to guide her.
The small tremors working through her body made him grin when he realized she was as close as he was. "I'm trying," he said softly, still looking into her eyes. "Not going to come until you do."
She only gasped and dug her nails into his skin.
"Imagine me touching you. Running my hands along your body. Tugging on your nipples and tasting your sweet skin." He moaned deeply. "I'd grab your ass right now if I could. Thrust into you so damn hard you'd be able to taste my dick."
A shriek escaped her as he managed to hit the perfect spot in her, and she raked her nails down his chest in ecstasy.
He shuddered at the small tingle of pain - and the resulting flair of pleasure - from her nails. "That's it, Baby," he encouraged. "Let go."
She did.
His own scream merged with hers as he came deep inside her. When she collapsed on top of him, he struggled to take a deep breath. It had felt way too good. And, he suddenly felt way too guilty when he imagined what it'd be like if Drew were to join them.
Shaking his head, he tried to clear his thoughts. He had no idea why he couldn't stop thinking of Drew suddenly, when he had the most gorgeous woman naked on top of him right now.
"Darren," she whispered as she reached up with shaking hands. "I can't feel my legs." She smiled, a completely satisfied look in her eyes as she fumbled with his restraints. "Please tell me this will never change with us. That the sex will always be this amazing."
He leaned up and kissed the curve of her breast. "Why should it change?" he asked sleepily. "Are you planning on changing something with us?"
"Of course not," she said quickly as she released his hands. Rubbing his wrists gently, she smiled. "You look so perfect. And a bit worn out."
"I could take a nap," he confessed and curled his arms around her, holding her close to him, with the intent to never let her go again.
~*~*~
"How was dinner last night?" Drew asked as he stopped next to Darren in the locker room the next morning. "Did you get Bri all dressed up and show her off?" He grinned as he took off his coat and hung it up in his locker. "Or was she too embarrassed to be seen with your scrawny ass?"
"Hey!" Darren yelped and tried to stop the blood from rushing to his face. "My ass is perfectly fine!"
"Hmm," Drew said and looked at Darren intently. "From the blush I'm guessing you two did something to your ass."
Darren swallowed thickly. The thought alone was enough to send a small spark of interest through his body - one of them, Bri or Drew, doing something to his ass - but he tried to steer his thoughts away from the mental image. "No," he said. "Where do you get these ideas?"
It was just his imagination, he thought, biting the inside of his cheek, that Drew was blushing. It had to be his imagination.
"Then why are you blushing?" Drew asked, ignoring Darren's question as he took a deep breath and looked back at his locker. "Had a good night at least? What'd you guys end up doing?"
"Oh, you know." Darren shrugged. "Spent a nice, quiet evening at home."
Drew nodded and pulled off his shirt. "Sounds like fun," he muttered and cast a quick glance at Darren out of the corner of his eye. He took another deep breath, closing his eyes as he inhaled, before letting it out slowly. "We still on for lunch?"
Darren nodded, not trusting his voice.
Drew turned to face him and smiled, all signs of his earlier hesitation gone as quickly as they appeared, making Darren wonder if he really saw them or not. "Great. Too bad I'm gonna make you look bad in practice first."
"You wish," Darren replied and shook his head amusedly.
"We'll see." Drew chuckled softly as he started changing into his practice uniform. He willed his hands to be still and mentally berated himself for his small flash of weakness earlier. If his best friend knew that he had romantic, sexual feelings for him and his girlfriend, he would easily lose the best platonic relationship he had ever had. With both of them. And, if that wasn't bad enough, he could just as quickly lose his job.
No one wanted an openly bisexual on their hockey team. He wouldn't last an entire day with that knowledge being out in the open.
"You okay, man?" Darren asked him softly. "You're quiet. Are you not feeling well?"
"I'm good. Got caught up in this stupid movie on the Science Channel last night and went to bed too late." Drew glanced at him and offered a quick smile. "But I'm good and my pregame nap will have me back in perfect shape before the game starts."
"Must've been a hell of a movie."
Drew shrugged. "It was all right." He pulled on his jersey before sitting down to lace up his skates. He stood a minute later and grabbed his helmet. "You all right? I'm fully dressed and you look like you got lost in your locker," he teased.
Darren laughed. "You're right," he said. "Why don't you go ahead? I'll be done in a few minutes."
Drew nodded and left, and Darren quickly started to take off his clothes and dress for practice, trying not to pay attention to the marks still visible on his wrists.
Something was definitely going on in his friend's head, he decided as he picked up his own helmet. But he had known Drew long enough to know that the other man wouldn't say anything until he was ready, if he even wanted to talk about it in the first place.
Shrugging, he made his way to the ice. There was no forcing the other man.
~*~*~
"Drew!"
He turned at the sound of his name and gasped in surprise as Bri smashed into him. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she hugged him close. "Excellent goal," she said happily. "Game winner too." She pressed a hard kiss to his cheek. "Congrats."
"Thanks," he replied and hugged her back. "You saw that, huh?"
"Of course I did," she scolded and swatted his arm as she smiled. "What makes you think I wasn't watching you?"
He blushed a dark shade of red. "Thought you couldn't keep your eyes off of Helmer?" he mumbled.
"I can watch both of you very easily," she assured him before taking a step back and studying him intently. "Why Drew Miller, I never thought I'd see the day when you blushed. You afraid I'm going to keep all the women off of you?" she asked.
Hastily, he shook his head. "It's not that," he said quickly. "I'm just surprised, that's all. Darren had a great game today, I'd...to be honest, I'd expect you to be all over him." There was no way in hell he'd admit that her keeping all the women off of him was the last of his concerns. Lately, there had been only one woman he'd been dreaming about, and that one was unavailable, since she was with his best friend already, and Drew wasn't the kind of guy who stole his best friend's girl.
"He did have a great game," she agreed and smiled at him again, the sight going straight to his dick. "But I'd be a terrible person if I didn't tell you that you had a great game also. You are my friend, Drew. Not just Darren's. Or at least I hoped we were friends," she added quietly as her smile faltered.
"Oh, absolutely!" he answered hastily. "We're friends! Totally!" He snapped his mouth shut, to stop himself from making a fool out of himself and pulled her into a hug.
"Good, you scared me for a second," she confessed and returned his hug. She held on a second longer than appropriate and leaned back, looking up into his eyes and a small smile appeared on her lips. "Sorry. Just feeling a little out of sorts tonight, I guess."
"Why, did something happen?" he asked, worried instantly.
"No," she replied quickly. "I think my allergies are acting up or something. I'm fine. Promise." She took his hand and wrapped it around her arm as she moved them out of the center of the hallway. "I won't keep you any longer though. Darren's probably going to appear at any moment and I'm sure you've got plans," she said. Suddenly an image of him having plans with her between him and Darren flashed through her mind and she tried to hide a small sigh of frustration.
"Seriously, Bri, are you all right?" he asked concernedly. "If..." he glanced over his shoulder before lowering his voice to a whisper. "If you have trouble with Darren, you can tell me, you know that, right?"
"Everything is perfect with me and Darren," she promised, looking into his eyes again. "I swear. And if he ever did anything to hurt me, you'd be the first person I ran to. After I maimed him."
"Leave something for me." He blushed again. "To maim, I mean."
"Gladly." She hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek. "Why don't you come over tonight?" she asked. "We can get dinner, maybe play some cards or something."
For a split second, he wanted nothing more than agree and do exactly that, but then, he shook his head, sure that he couldn't spend so much time with them without embarrassing himself.
"Can't," he said, putting as much regret as he could into his voice. "I have...a family thing."
"Oh. Maybe some other time then. Are you still coming over on Saturday for dinner?" she then asked nervously. "You haven't been to the house in a few months - let alone join us for dinner." She stuffed her hands in her pockets and shifted her weight from side to side. "I know I'm not the world's greatest housekeeper and all but I don't think our place is that embarrassing."
"Saturday? Oh yeah. Yeah. Absolutely." He nodded and took a small step back. "I promised, didn't I?"
She nodded. "You did," she agreed and looked at him with something that looked an awful lot like longing in her eyes. "I'll let you go to your family thing," she then told him. "Have a good night, Drew."
"Yeah, you too," he replied before turning and leaving as quickly as he could without it looking as if he was running away.
Bri watched him go and sighed in disappointment just before she felt familiar arms wrap around her from behind. "Everything okay?" a gentle voice asked from near her ear. "You looked sad as I walked up."
She leaned into his comfortable warmth and nodded quickly. She had a wonderful man, and she wouldn't risk her relationship with him just because she was thinking too much about another man.
"You ready to get out of here?" he asked. "Go home and watch a good movie before I curl up in our bed and hold my favorite girl close."
She nodded and put her hand in his. "Absolutely," she said and smiled.
Darren returned her smile and squeezed her hand tightly. "Love you," he whispered and followed her out of the building.
"I love you too." From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Drew, leaning against the side of his car and making no move to get into it.
She sent him a small smile, not sure if he could see her or not, before turning toward Darren's car. She really needed to get control of her feelings, she decided as he opened the car door for her. At the rate her imagination, and fantasies, were going, she was going to end up doing something stupid. Like screaming Drew's name next time her and Darren had sex.
She didn't think she'd survive that humiliation. Or the heartbreak of losing Darren.
She reached out and grabbed his arm before he could close her door. "I love you," she said, feeling the intense need to let him know how much he meant to her.
He smiled down at her before leaning over and pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. "I love you too," he replied, running the backs of his fingers along her cheek.
She pressed her hand to his, holding it against her cheek for a moment. "Let's go home."
"Of course." He gave her another kiss before closing her door. She watched as he walked around to the driver's side and sighed softly. She was going to get Drew out of her system. She had Darren.
And he was enough for her. She just wished she was good enough for him.
"Hey," he said as he eased into traffic. "What's on your mind? You have that little frown there..."
She shrugged. "Nothing major," she promised. "Just silly things running through my mind." She rubbed her arms from the small chill that was in the air. "Darren? Can I ask you something without you getting mad?"
He frowned. "I guess so," he answered carefully. "At least, I'm really gonna try not to get mad, okay?"
"Okay." She took a deep breath. "I know you love me. But am I good enough? I mean ... I ..." She sighed. "I don't know what I mean. I love you more than anything in this world. But some days, I don't feel good enough for you," she said, her voice lowering with each word as she looked out the window, refusing to glance at him.
Darren opened his mouth and closed it a few times without managing to say a single word. "Baby," he promised after a moment, "you're way too good for me. Didn't Drew tell you? Because, he tells me often enough, for sure."
She looked over at him and smiled. "Drew tells me that you're not good enough for me," she confessed. She reached over and placed her hand on his thigh, squeezing gently. "Thank you. You made me feel a lot better."
"I love you," he said earnestly. "I always want to make you feel good."
"I love you too." She rubbed his leg gently. "Could I convince you to make me feel really good when we get home?"
He grinned. "Give me a kiss, and I might already be convinced."
She waited until he stopped at the red light before leaning toward him. "My pleasure," she whispered and pressed her lips to his. She traced his lips with her tongue before reluctantly pulling away. "Mmm. You taste like peppermint."
"Is that a bad thing?" he asked, clearly amused.
"No. I love peppermint." She smirked. "Almost as much as I love kissing you."
"Let's go home, and you can kiss me as much as you want."
She laughed and leaned back in her seat. It was going to be a damn good night.
A night where she was determined not to think about anyone else but the man with her.
TBC
Author: a2h and mistokath13
Team: Detroit Red Wings
Pairing: Darren Helm/Drew Miller/OFC
Warning: het, slash, threesome
Word Count: 24,818
Disclaimer: We don't own Drew or Darren (darn it!) but we do own Bri and we live vicariously through her. :)
Summary: Sometimes everyone wants the same thing. The only problem is that no one wants to say these things out loud. So, what happens when all three of them are forced to admit their feelings for each other?
A/Ns: Thank you to Ginny, Mer and Eve, who all read it and helped us get things in order. If there are any mistakes, they belong to us. This started out as a one shot and turned into a trilogy. LOL But we love it anyways. Hope someone out there enjoys it as well.
Darren Helm watched his linemate, Drew Miller, as he scooped up a puck with his stick and skated toward him. Practice was dying down and most of the guys had gone into the locker room, so it was just him, Drew and a few others left on the ice.
"Helmer!" Drew called as he got closer. "You haven't left yet?"
"Nah," Darren replied and grinned. "Why would I wanna leave when I still need to teach you how to score?"
Drew snorted, loud enough to be heard across the ice. "As if you score more than I do," he called before passing the puck. "Show me what you've got!"
Darren laughed and easily took control of the puck. "You better take lessons," he taunted. "Cause I'm only gonna show you this once." He looked into Drew's eyes as he started skating toward him, keeping the puck close to his stick.
"If you miss the open net, you're gonna buy me dinner!" Drew called out and stood back, to watch.
"Cheap ass," Darren muttered before taking the shot.
The puck hit the post audibly, slid along the goal line, hit the other post, and skipped out of the goal again.
Drew started laughing.
"Dammit," Darren swore and turned to the other man. "Somehow you cheated," he stated. "And I am not buying you dinner. I've got a date with Bri tonight."
"Buy me lunch tomorrow, then," Drew answered and slowly skated toward the tunnel. "Because you know as well as I do that I didn't cheat." He took off his helmet and shook his head. "Where are you taking her?"
"Someplace where I have to make her dress up," Darren replied with a shrug. "And we're on for lunch tomorrow. Or you could just go with us tonight. You know that Bri loves you."
Drew shook his head. "You know it never ends well if you take your best friend on a date. Unless you're looking to give her a reason to dump you."
"Nah, she's been with me forever. She should be used to me by now." Darren stopped in front of his locker and sat down, reaching for his skates. "Oh, that reminds me. She wanted me to ask if you wanted to come over this weekend. She's trying this new recipe for barbecue and wants to know if you'll help me test it."
Drew shrugged, the movement hidden by the jersey he was dragging up and over his head at the same time. "Sure, why not?" he called back.
"Great." Darren smiled as he pulled off his jersey. "She'll be looking forward to seeing you." He started to remove his shoulder pads. "What time for lunch tomorrow? Or are you going to admit that you cheated?"
"I didn't cheat!" Drew started to peel off the tape off his socks. "You're just a sore loser. We can go right after the morning skate, and you can even pick where we're going."
"I'm competitive," Darren teased and nudged Drew's shoulder. "And you always cheat to make me look bad at practice," he added teasingly.
"You're not competitive," Drew answered and tossed a ball of tape at Darren's head, "you're obsessed."
"You say that like you're surprised or something." Darren picked up the tape and tossed it into his locker. He quickly removed the last of his uniform before picking up his shower bag. "What are your plans tonight?"
Drew shrugged. "Don't know yet, man." He stood and wrapped a towel around his hips before following Darren into the showers.
"What ever happened to that redhead that you were dating?" Darren asked curiously as he turned on the shower. "Haven't heard you mention her in a while."
Drew was facing the wall, his head tipped back as soap and shampoo slowly ran down his back, but he shrugged in answer to Darren's question. It was all he needed to know, and he decided to let the topic drop for now.
Both men were quiet as they finished up their showers. Darren let his mind wander as the hot water beat against his shoulders, and tried to figure out the best place to take Bri for dinner. They had a long road trip coming up in a few days and he always felt guilty leaving her alone for days at a time.
It was part of his job, a job he loved, and both he and Bri had accepted a long time ago that this was the way it was going, but it didn't stop the feelings from welling up in him everytime a trip drew closer.
"Have a good night with Bri," Drew remarked, bringing Darren back to the present. "And don't do anything with her that I wouldn't," he added with a laugh as he walked out of the showers.
Darren shook his head, sending droplets of water flying in every direction, while chuckling amusedly. He finished his shower, taking his time, and by the time he came back into the locker room, Drew was already dressed and tying the laces of his shoes.
"I'll let you know when Bri's cooking," Darren said with a laugh as he dropped his towel and reached for his clothes. "And see you in the morning. Have a good night with whatever you decide that you're going to do."
"Yeah, you too," Drew answered and shrugged into his jacket. "See ya."
Darren nodded and was soon walking out of the locker room, pulling his jacket on as he walked through the doors. He hummed softly to himself as he made his way through the building and stepped into the parking lot. "Hot damn," he said with a whistle as he spotted the brunette leaning against his car. "You've got to be the sexiest damn puck bunny that I've ever seen."
"You're just saying that to get in my pants," she retorted with a smile.
"Nah, I know exactly how to get in your pants," he assured her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Waiting long?" he asked just before he kissed her deeply, his tongue sliding through her mouth easily.
"You know I'm never in a hurry," Bri replied and rested her forehead on his shoulder as she took several deep breaths. "How was practice?"
"Good," he answered and kissed the top of her head. "Drew and I made a stupid bet and now I've gotta take him to lunch tomorrow after the morning skate. Oh, and he said he'd be there this weekend. Just needs to know what time."
"Awesome," she murmured into his jacket. "How you take me home now and we talk about some other things there?"
He squeezed her tightly and nodded. "Okay," he said, his voice gentle as he held her for another moment. "Let's get out of here. Have you decided what you want for dinner tonight?"
She laughed and wrapped one arm around his waist, to squeeze his ass. "You?"
"Ah, Darlin', you can have me any time you want," he promised and knew he was grinning like a fool. "I love you, Bri. More than anything."
She laughed and took a step back. "Love you too. You're driving."
"Of course." He moved away from her and opened the car door. "After you, my lady," he requested. She stepped past him and he caught the scent of vanilla, a scent that he would always associate with the woman he had been with for the past six years.
He had met her when he was sixteen. He had been walking through one of the hockey rinks near his hometown and had literally ran into her as they had walked through a doorway. For him, it had been love at first sight. A combination of her long brown hair, and sky blue eyes, had made him feel like he was sucker punched in the gut. Then, when she had looked at him and had smiled, he had known that no other woman would ever make him have that feeling again.
He waited until she was safely in the seat before closing the door and jogging the few steps around to the driver's side. "What'cha wanna talk about, Beautiful?" he asked as he fastened his seat belt and started the car.
She grinned and swept her hair over her shoulder. "Actually, I want to talk about having you on your back, in our bed," she began, a teasing smile forming around her lips. "It's been long since you let me do that to you."
"You gonna tie me up?" he asked, returning her teasing smile as he let the car warm up.
"Now there's a great idea," she murmured appreciatively. "You, helpless, under me..." She laughed. "Yeah, that sounds like fun."
Darren could feel the blood rushing toward his dick as she laughed. "Hot damn, woman, you're going to make it very, very difficult for me to drive. And I have every intention of holding you to that." He looked over at her and grinned. "Just make sure to untie me before I have to leave for the morning skate. Deal?"
"Oh, do I have to?" She pretended to pout, but Darren knew her better than to fall for it.
"Maybe," he finally said as he pulled out of the parking lot and turned toward their house. "Should I stop somewhere for take out? That way we don't have any interruptions once we get home?"
"That'd be great," she answered and reached over, to squeeze his thigh gently. "Let's have a nice quiet evening together at home."
"You quiet?" he asked with a short laugh. "You, my love, have no idea how to be quiet." He glanced at her quickly and winked. "And that's one of the many things I love so much about you."
She blushed slightly, but she refused to look away from him, a stubborn gleam in her eyes. She was well aware that being quiet was not something she was good at, but it didn't mean she was always comfortable getting teased about it.
"Darlin', if you don't scream tonight, then I'll take it personal," he teased.
She smiled again. "Can't have that," she agreed. "Italian for dinner tonight?"
"Sounds wonderful." He smiled at her before returning his attention to the road. "And I get you for dessert. A perfect evening, as far as I'm concerned."
"Perfect," she echoed and relaxed into her seat. "So, what's new in the exciting world of professional hockey?"
It was mostly a rhetorical question, meant to keep the conversation between them flowing, but she couldn't deny that she enjoyed the enthusiasm in his voice as he told her about some of the antics of his teammates. She was sure that his stories were heavily edited, but she didn't care.
"And then Drew started laughing so hard, he fell on his ass. Right there at center ice," Darren said several minutes later as the scent of their dinner filled the car, his words slightly garbled as he started laughing as well. "It was the funniest damn thing." He shook his head fondly and pulled into their driveway. "You should have seen the look on Coach's face. Told Drew that he needed to learn how to stay on his damn skates if he wanted to keep playing."
She giggled. "Poor Drew," she managed to say before starting to laugh again. "What did he do?"
"Looked up at Coach like a scared kid and nodded as he tried to stand. And then, almost in slow motion, Coach tried to help him up but only ended up next to Drew on the ice." Darren snickered. "It's a damn good thing that Coach likes him, or I'm guessing Drew would have been in the dog house for the rest of the season."
Bri nodded. "Drew's a good guy," she said simply. "And you're lucky he didn't get you back for that!"
"He will," Darren said with a nod. "I'm completely positive of it." He got out of the car and quickly walked to the other side to open the passenger door. "I'm not sure how yet, but he will." He helped her stand, taking the bag of carry out, before placing his hand on the small of her back. "What did you do all day while I was playing with the guys?"
She shrugged. "A few things here and there. I took care of some of the bills and stuff." She tossed her hair over her shoulder and grinned. "The fun part of my day is about to start, now that you're home."
He reached up before he could stop himself and ran his fingers slowly through her hair. "Oh yeah," he murmured and licked his lips. "I promise to be lots of fun and only squirm a little."
Her eyes followed the moves of his tongue as if she was mesmerized. "Yeah," she answered. "We should go inside."
He nodded once and guided her to the door. "Too cold to have sex outside anyways," he muttered as he unlocked the front door and opened it for her. "Should we eat now or wait?"
Instead of answering, she threaded her fingers into his short, blond hair and pulled him down to her. Their mouths met in a deep, passionate kiss.
He could feel his body responding her to like it was the very first time she had touched him. "Love you," he breathed against her lips as he pushed his hand under her shirt and let it rest against her stomach. "More than anything," he added and kissed her again, letting their food slid out of his other hand and landing softly at his feet.
She grinned and let her head fall back, exposing the long line of her pale throat. "Even more than hockey?"
"Even more than hockey," he whispered. He ran his tongue down her neck and inhaled deeply. "More than the Stanley Cup too," he added before placing several open mouthed kisses against her throat.
She chuckled softly and wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself tightly against his front.
"You remember where you put the restraints?" he whispered as he pulled back just far enough so he could look into her eyes.
She nodded and brushed a kiss against his lips before pulling back. "Yeah, I do."
"Then I'll go unpack our dinner," Darren said. He smiled as he picked up the bag of food that was still at his feet and winked at her. "Unless you don't want to eat now."
"Better eat now, as long as it's still hot," she decided and walked past him, into the kitchen. "You can be my dessert."
Darren stayed where he was and took several deep breaths as he watched her walk. He would be anything this woman desired. Dessert, dinner, midnight snack, breakfast, hell, he'd even be her lunch if that's what she wanted.
"I really did something right," he muttered to himself. With one last deep breath, which did nothing to sooth the raging desire in his body, he started after her. "You coming to the game tomorrow?" he asked as he took the empty chair next to her at the table. "Or do you have some hot date planned?" he added with a teasing smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"I'd love to come to the game," she answered and handed him a fork. "There's this hot guy on the fourth line I'm having my eyes set on."
"Do I need to tell Kindl to keep his paws off my girl?" Darren asked as he opened the container and placed her food in front of her.
She laughed. "Would you really do that?"
"You bet I would," he replied and smiled at her. "I'm not sharing you with Kindl."
She laughed. "That begs to ask the question who you'd share me with."
Darren's laughter soon joined hers. "Well ... there is Emma and Svetlana," he replied. "Don't forget Annika, Drew, and Jenna."
She shook her head amusedly. "Yeah, you know that half of your teammates are going to check you so hard for that thought alone," she answered dryly. "As if they'd share their girls, either."
Darren grinned and looked down at his plate. He was amused by her reaction yet very relieved that she hadn't caught him saying his best friend's name. Or if she had, she had probably just blown it off as the older man being his closest friend on the team and didn't pay any attention to it.
"They wouldn't," he finally said. "And I'm not telling Cap, or Dats, about that comment." He let out a small laugh. "Oz would probably hide all of my gear and Z would glare at me for the rest of my time with the team."
"Or really check you into the boards hard enough to lose all your teeth," she agreed as she continued to eat.
"Hey! Most of them are still mine," he grumbled.
"Yeah, but you haven't tried to steal anyone's wife yet, right?" She grinned widely. "Not sure I'd love you as much as I do if you had no teeth left..."
"The only wife I'd steal is you," he said, grinning at her. "And give me about five more years and I might not have any teeth left."
"What a shame." She winked at him and put down her fork. "I like you with teeth."
"Then I'll just keep getting fake teeth. Just to make you happy, of course," he assured her with a small smile. He looked at her plate before glancing at his own. "You done?"
She glanced down as well. "Yes," she said and smiled. "Hey, Darren?"
He could feel his heart start to beat faster as he looked at her smiling face. God he loved this woman. "Yes, Bri?" he whispered, slightly surprised by the hitch in his voice.
"I really, really love you, okay?"
"Why does this sound like it's going to turn into a bad conversation suddenly?" Darren asked, his eyebrows furrowing together in worry. "Something wrong, baby?"
"No, all fine," she replied hastily. "I just...it just felt right to say it, you know?" She blushed and shrugged. "Just...one of those special moments."
Darren relaxed and nodded. "I really, really love you too," he promised and leaned over to kiss her softly. "Now ... what's this about me for dessert?"
She smiled. "Sounds really delicious. Why don't you go to the bedroom and I'm going to join you as soon as I put away the dishes and things?"
"I'll be waiting." He winked at her before standing and walking toward their bedroom. He took off his clothes, careful to put them in the hamper, and stretched out on the soft mattress. He let his mind wander as he thought about what she was going to do to him once she came upstairs.
His body started to react slightly to the thoughts he was entertaining, and he smiled slightly. She really was one in a million, and he was a very lucky guy to have a girl like her.
There was nothing he wanted more than her.
His mind flashed to a memory, a shower, and his smile turned into a grin as he remembered the sight of drops of water running down the length of a spine, closed eyes, short hair, darkened by water and plastered to a skull, and the blueish tinge of a puck-shaped bruise right above a hip...
He frowned slightly and leaned up on his elbows - that wasn't a memory of Bri, that much was for certain.
"What the hell," he whispered under his breath as he looked around the room. He desperately tried to recall the memory again - or at least a reason as to why he would be thinking of his best friend in the shower. Especially his *very naked* best friend in the shower.
Or why he'd thought about it now, of all times.
"Fuck," he grumbled as he flopped back against the bed. He took several deep breaths before he realized that the mental image of Drew in the shower hadn't reduced his hard on any. In fact, he was hard enough to pound nails. "Double fuck."
"Are you complaining about something or are you hoping for something?" Bri asked from the door.
His gaze shot to her and he forced a smile. "Thinking of you, Darlin'," he answered. "And hoping for seconds."
For some reason, he suddenly felt uncomfortable. This was not a fantasy he wanted to share with her, or with anyone at all.
"Seconds," she said, repeating his request. "I believe that I can grant seconds. That is if you can still think when we're done with firsts."
Darren chuckled and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. He'd try to figure out what his fantasy of Drew meant later - much later. But, for now, he'd concentrate on his Bri.
She more than deserved it, and she would stop his thoughts from straying to other people.
He stretched and placed his arms over his head, grabbing the headboard with both hands. "I hope you always know how much I trust you," he whispered, meeting her gaze. "Now, you gonna fuck me or what?"
She grinned. "With pleasure." Her hand wrapped teasingly light around his length. "My pleasure."
"I'm sure it'll be mine too," he said as he watched her hand move along his dick.
"I'm sure of that too," she promised and moved to straddle his hips.
Darren smiled as he looked over and watched her slender hands fasten the restraints around his wrists. He tugged gently and was pleased with the tiny amount of give. "Now that I'm completely helpless, what do you plan on doing to me?" he asked before lowering his eyelids slightly. "Please don't harm my innocent virtue."
She bent down and kissed him deeply. "What is this innocent virtue you're talking about?" she teased.
"Didn't you know that I'm sweet and innocent?" Darren grinned. "I'm pure as white snow."
She laughed. "Should I call Drew, ask him if you hit your head on the ice today?"
"Nah, but you could call him and let him listen to you scream as you come all over my dick," Darren replied and lifted his lips into a small smirk. "I'm positive that would make him very jealous."
Bri swallowed as she thought about it. For some reason she didn't know, the thought of Drew listening in on them having sex was very arousing and leaving her, at the same time, confused - did Darren find out that she sometimes had fantasies about his best friend? But if he had, why hadn't he told her so? He didn't look as if he was looking for a fight. And maybe, she thought, this was like a test, and he wanted to make sure that she really just loved him, which she did, of course.
What was she supposed to tell him? She didn't know.
"Hey, Beautiful," Darren said softly, his left arm tugging as his restraint, like he was trying to console her. "I was only kidding," he added quickly, not sure how the idea of Drew listening to them have sex made his heart beat a little fast and his palms sweaty in arousal. "You don't have to call anyone."
"I'm not calling anyone," she assured him quickly. "I'm not sharing you with anyone."
Darren nodded and tried not to make his smile look as forced as it felt. "Then just scream for me," he said softly.
She grinned as she moved herself over his erection and slowly took it into her, inch by inch, enjoying every second and every sensation of it.
"God, you feel good," he hissed through clenched teeth as he looked into her eyes.
She didn't reply, too focused on the feeling of being stretched by him and having him, or at least a part of him, in her.
"Bri," he finally whispered as she started to move, rocking her hips against his. He felt like he was already going to burst, the nonstop teasing since leaving the arena had him more worked up than he initially thought. Can't come yet, he ordered himself and glanced over her shoulder, focusing on a spot on the ceiling.
"Look at me," she gasped, her hands coming to rest on his chest for leverage as she took him deep inside her.
"Oh God," he breathed and met her gaze. He knew his eyes were slightly unfocused and he could feel the sweat sliding down his face and along his neck. "So good," he added as he thrust up, pushing himself even deeper into her.
She stretched out over him, her hands braced on his forearms, and pulled away before sinking down onto him again and again.
"That's it, Baby," he encouraged as he tried to meet each of her thrusts. "Love what you do to me."
"Love you," she said breathlessly. "So much."
"Same here," he vowed and angled his hips slightly. He grinned when she cried out softly. "Yeah, right there," he stated simply and tried to push deeper into her.
He knew exactly what he was doing to her, and he took advantage of that knowledge now to make her feel good even when he wasn't able to use his hands to guide her.
The small tremors working through her body made him grin when he realized she was as close as he was. "I'm trying," he said softly, still looking into her eyes. "Not going to come until you do."
She only gasped and dug her nails into his skin.
"Imagine me touching you. Running my hands along your body. Tugging on your nipples and tasting your sweet skin." He moaned deeply. "I'd grab your ass right now if I could. Thrust into you so damn hard you'd be able to taste my dick."
A shriek escaped her as he managed to hit the perfect spot in her, and she raked her nails down his chest in ecstasy.
He shuddered at the small tingle of pain - and the resulting flair of pleasure - from her nails. "That's it, Baby," he encouraged. "Let go."
She did.
His own scream merged with hers as he came deep inside her. When she collapsed on top of him, he struggled to take a deep breath. It had felt way too good. And, he suddenly felt way too guilty when he imagined what it'd be like if Drew were to join them.
Shaking his head, he tried to clear his thoughts. He had no idea why he couldn't stop thinking of Drew suddenly, when he had the most gorgeous woman naked on top of him right now.
"Darren," she whispered as she reached up with shaking hands. "I can't feel my legs." She smiled, a completely satisfied look in her eyes as she fumbled with his restraints. "Please tell me this will never change with us. That the sex will always be this amazing."
He leaned up and kissed the curve of her breast. "Why should it change?" he asked sleepily. "Are you planning on changing something with us?"
"Of course not," she said quickly as she released his hands. Rubbing his wrists gently, she smiled. "You look so perfect. And a bit worn out."
"I could take a nap," he confessed and curled his arms around her, holding her close to him, with the intent to never let her go again.
~*~*~
"How was dinner last night?" Drew asked as he stopped next to Darren in the locker room the next morning. "Did you get Bri all dressed up and show her off?" He grinned as he took off his coat and hung it up in his locker. "Or was she too embarrassed to be seen with your scrawny ass?"
"Hey!" Darren yelped and tried to stop the blood from rushing to his face. "My ass is perfectly fine!"
"Hmm," Drew said and looked at Darren intently. "From the blush I'm guessing you two did something to your ass."
Darren swallowed thickly. The thought alone was enough to send a small spark of interest through his body - one of them, Bri or Drew, doing something to his ass - but he tried to steer his thoughts away from the mental image. "No," he said. "Where do you get these ideas?"
It was just his imagination, he thought, biting the inside of his cheek, that Drew was blushing. It had to be his imagination.
"Then why are you blushing?" Drew asked, ignoring Darren's question as he took a deep breath and looked back at his locker. "Had a good night at least? What'd you guys end up doing?"
"Oh, you know." Darren shrugged. "Spent a nice, quiet evening at home."
Drew nodded and pulled off his shirt. "Sounds like fun," he muttered and cast a quick glance at Darren out of the corner of his eye. He took another deep breath, closing his eyes as he inhaled, before letting it out slowly. "We still on for lunch?"
Darren nodded, not trusting his voice.
Drew turned to face him and smiled, all signs of his earlier hesitation gone as quickly as they appeared, making Darren wonder if he really saw them or not. "Great. Too bad I'm gonna make you look bad in practice first."
"You wish," Darren replied and shook his head amusedly.
"We'll see." Drew chuckled softly as he started changing into his practice uniform. He willed his hands to be still and mentally berated himself for his small flash of weakness earlier. If his best friend knew that he had romantic, sexual feelings for him and his girlfriend, he would easily lose the best platonic relationship he had ever had. With both of them. And, if that wasn't bad enough, he could just as quickly lose his job.
No one wanted an openly bisexual on their hockey team. He wouldn't last an entire day with that knowledge being out in the open.
"You okay, man?" Darren asked him softly. "You're quiet. Are you not feeling well?"
"I'm good. Got caught up in this stupid movie on the Science Channel last night and went to bed too late." Drew glanced at him and offered a quick smile. "But I'm good and my pregame nap will have me back in perfect shape before the game starts."
"Must've been a hell of a movie."
Drew shrugged. "It was all right." He pulled on his jersey before sitting down to lace up his skates. He stood a minute later and grabbed his helmet. "You all right? I'm fully dressed and you look like you got lost in your locker," he teased.
Darren laughed. "You're right," he said. "Why don't you go ahead? I'll be done in a few minutes."
Drew nodded and left, and Darren quickly started to take off his clothes and dress for practice, trying not to pay attention to the marks still visible on his wrists.
Something was definitely going on in his friend's head, he decided as he picked up his own helmet. But he had known Drew long enough to know that the other man wouldn't say anything until he was ready, if he even wanted to talk about it in the first place.
Shrugging, he made his way to the ice. There was no forcing the other man.
~*~*~
"Drew!"
He turned at the sound of his name and gasped in surprise as Bri smashed into him. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she hugged him close. "Excellent goal," she said happily. "Game winner too." She pressed a hard kiss to his cheek. "Congrats."
"Thanks," he replied and hugged her back. "You saw that, huh?"
"Of course I did," she scolded and swatted his arm as she smiled. "What makes you think I wasn't watching you?"
He blushed a dark shade of red. "Thought you couldn't keep your eyes off of Helmer?" he mumbled.
"I can watch both of you very easily," she assured him before taking a step back and studying him intently. "Why Drew Miller, I never thought I'd see the day when you blushed. You afraid I'm going to keep all the women off of you?" she asked.
Hastily, he shook his head. "It's not that," he said quickly. "I'm just surprised, that's all. Darren had a great game today, I'd...to be honest, I'd expect you to be all over him." There was no way in hell he'd admit that her keeping all the women off of him was the last of his concerns. Lately, there had been only one woman he'd been dreaming about, and that one was unavailable, since she was with his best friend already, and Drew wasn't the kind of guy who stole his best friend's girl.
"He did have a great game," she agreed and smiled at him again, the sight going straight to his dick. "But I'd be a terrible person if I didn't tell you that you had a great game also. You are my friend, Drew. Not just Darren's. Or at least I hoped we were friends," she added quietly as her smile faltered.
"Oh, absolutely!" he answered hastily. "We're friends! Totally!" He snapped his mouth shut, to stop himself from making a fool out of himself and pulled her into a hug.
"Good, you scared me for a second," she confessed and returned his hug. She held on a second longer than appropriate and leaned back, looking up into his eyes and a small smile appeared on her lips. "Sorry. Just feeling a little out of sorts tonight, I guess."
"Why, did something happen?" he asked, worried instantly.
"No," she replied quickly. "I think my allergies are acting up or something. I'm fine. Promise." She took his hand and wrapped it around her arm as she moved them out of the center of the hallway. "I won't keep you any longer though. Darren's probably going to appear at any moment and I'm sure you've got plans," she said. Suddenly an image of him having plans with her between him and Darren flashed through her mind and she tried to hide a small sigh of frustration.
"Seriously, Bri, are you all right?" he asked concernedly. "If..." he glanced over his shoulder before lowering his voice to a whisper. "If you have trouble with Darren, you can tell me, you know that, right?"
"Everything is perfect with me and Darren," she promised, looking into his eyes again. "I swear. And if he ever did anything to hurt me, you'd be the first person I ran to. After I maimed him."
"Leave something for me." He blushed again. "To maim, I mean."
"Gladly." She hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek. "Why don't you come over tonight?" she asked. "We can get dinner, maybe play some cards or something."
For a split second, he wanted nothing more than agree and do exactly that, but then, he shook his head, sure that he couldn't spend so much time with them without embarrassing himself.
"Can't," he said, putting as much regret as he could into his voice. "I have...a family thing."
"Oh. Maybe some other time then. Are you still coming over on Saturday for dinner?" she then asked nervously. "You haven't been to the house in a few months - let alone join us for dinner." She stuffed her hands in her pockets and shifted her weight from side to side. "I know I'm not the world's greatest housekeeper and all but I don't think our place is that embarrassing."
"Saturday? Oh yeah. Yeah. Absolutely." He nodded and took a small step back. "I promised, didn't I?"
She nodded. "You did," she agreed and looked at him with something that looked an awful lot like longing in her eyes. "I'll let you go to your family thing," she then told him. "Have a good night, Drew."
"Yeah, you too," he replied before turning and leaving as quickly as he could without it looking as if he was running away.
Bri watched him go and sighed in disappointment just before she felt familiar arms wrap around her from behind. "Everything okay?" a gentle voice asked from near her ear. "You looked sad as I walked up."
She leaned into his comfortable warmth and nodded quickly. She had a wonderful man, and she wouldn't risk her relationship with him just because she was thinking too much about another man.
"You ready to get out of here?" he asked. "Go home and watch a good movie before I curl up in our bed and hold my favorite girl close."
She nodded and put her hand in his. "Absolutely," she said and smiled.
Darren returned her smile and squeezed her hand tightly. "Love you," he whispered and followed her out of the building.
"I love you too." From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Drew, leaning against the side of his car and making no move to get into it.
She sent him a small smile, not sure if he could see her or not, before turning toward Darren's car. She really needed to get control of her feelings, she decided as he opened the car door for her. At the rate her imagination, and fantasies, were going, she was going to end up doing something stupid. Like screaming Drew's name next time her and Darren had sex.
She didn't think she'd survive that humiliation. Or the heartbreak of losing Darren.
She reached out and grabbed his arm before he could close her door. "I love you," she said, feeling the intense need to let him know how much he meant to her.
He smiled down at her before leaning over and pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. "I love you too," he replied, running the backs of his fingers along her cheek.
She pressed her hand to his, holding it against her cheek for a moment. "Let's go home."
"Of course." He gave her another kiss before closing her door. She watched as he walked around to the driver's side and sighed softly. She was going to get Drew out of her system. She had Darren.
And he was enough for her. She just wished she was good enough for him.
"Hey," he said as he eased into traffic. "What's on your mind? You have that little frown there..."
She shrugged. "Nothing major," she promised. "Just silly things running through my mind." She rubbed her arms from the small chill that was in the air. "Darren? Can I ask you something without you getting mad?"
He frowned. "I guess so," he answered carefully. "At least, I'm really gonna try not to get mad, okay?"
"Okay." She took a deep breath. "I know you love me. But am I good enough? I mean ... I ..." She sighed. "I don't know what I mean. I love you more than anything in this world. But some days, I don't feel good enough for you," she said, her voice lowering with each word as she looked out the window, refusing to glance at him.
Darren opened his mouth and closed it a few times without managing to say a single word. "Baby," he promised after a moment, "you're way too good for me. Didn't Drew tell you? Because, he tells me often enough, for sure."
She looked over at him and smiled. "Drew tells me that you're not good enough for me," she confessed. She reached over and placed her hand on his thigh, squeezing gently. "Thank you. You made me feel a lot better."
"I love you," he said earnestly. "I always want to make you feel good."
"I love you too." She rubbed his leg gently. "Could I convince you to make me feel really good when we get home?"
He grinned. "Give me a kiss, and I might already be convinced."
She waited until he stopped at the red light before leaning toward him. "My pleasure," she whispered and pressed her lips to his. She traced his lips with her tongue before reluctantly pulling away. "Mmm. You taste like peppermint."
"Is that a bad thing?" he asked, clearly amused.
"No. I love peppermint." She smirked. "Almost as much as I love kissing you."
"Let's go home, and you can kiss me as much as you want."
She laughed and leaned back in her seat. It was going to be a damn good night.
A night where she was determined not to think about anyone else but the man with her.
TBC