Free Run to You by Ginger Rapsus

his breath away. But even when he was surprised, the best defenseman in the game knew he had to respond, to live up to what the moment demanded.
    Greta and Brandon held each other, embracing tightly, and kissed each other.
    Brandon had seen fire in the eyes of his teammates. But this was the first time he had plainly seen desire in the eyes of a beautiful woman. This was a woman who wanted him for himself, not because he wore a uniform and could buy her expensive trinkets.
    She paid her own way. And as for expensive trinkets, well, she was a jewelry expert and worked with gold and diamonds all the time. She saw expensive items in the course of her work.
    Greta slowly unbuttoned Brandon’s shirt. “You look so different out of uniform.”
    He flashed a wicked grin. “Yes, I told you before. I look very different when I’m not wearing my uniform.”
    She blushed, and tried to hide her face. “I didn’t mean…”
    “I know what you mean, Greta.” He gently cupped her face in his hands. “Look at me, Greta.”
    The big strong hockey player kissed his girl as tenderly as he could.
    “Please stay with me, Brandon. I want you to. Stay with me tonight.”
    Brandon had taken part in this game before. This was between two people, and much more intense than any hockey game could ever be. This particular match was a special game, where more was at stake than the final tally.
    Dressing up for this game, with shin pads and shoulder pads and helmets, was not the way to go. Dressing down was the way. And it was a big part of this game to help each other with this task. Dressing down, with less and less to wear, until nothing was left. Brandon and Greta were born with everything they needed to take part in this game.
    In this game, speed was not of utmost importance. Instead, taking it slow was the way to play. Taking your time and finding what worked best, and what worked better yet. And staying with that game plan, even as the tension built, as the excitement grew. And not being in a hurry to finish the game. You knew by watching your partner, paying attention to her reactions and responses, and the way she did the same for you.
    The game was so much better when the two partners both wanted to do their best for each other. Giving and taking, not all taking. Each to the other. Past experience did not matter. And it didn’t matter how many times a partner had taken part in this game before. All that mattered was here and now, that the two participants had found each other, and they were together for the first time. They were playing this game in their own unique way, with their own actions and reactions.
    Participating in this game with a new partner was a thrilling experience. No game films, no wondering how the other team worked, or what they did to stay in shape. In this game, you knew what worked just by your own feelings. And your partner’s feelings made the game that much more worthwhile and that much more exciting. Maybe you were in this game situation before, and you knew what worked, but a different approach sometimes worked even better.
    And once you found what worked best, you stayed there, and kept at it. And kept at it some more. Instead of fighting an opponent, you gave in to your partner. You weren’t afraid to surrender, and give your all.
    Flashy plays weren’t always the way, and selfish play was not the way this time. Sometimes it was. Often it was, with some of the men who played this game. But not this time. Not with a special partner as Brandon picked this time around.
    No big crowds, or lights, or fans screaming. This was just the two participants, Brandon and Greta, in the dark of her room. Sometimes he would speak low. Sometimes she would call his name. No crowd chanting, “We want Brandon.” Only one voice speaking softly, “I want you, Brandon.”
    And when this game finally concluded, the two participants did not go their own separate ways. They stayed right where they were, each clinging to the