Puck Sweat Love – Bad Motherpuckers Read Online Lili Valente

Categories Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Sports Tags Authors:
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Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 72589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
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“Sounds good,” I say, touched by the fact that he’s so willing to share. When Drake was in a mood, he would either brush me off or lash out, taking his anger out on me without ever saying what was bothering him. But even just a few dates in, it’s obvious that Tank isn’t anything like Drake. He’s a grown-up who’s worked on himself and is continuing to learn and evolve.

It’s…so hot.

Nearly as hot as the way he wraps an easy arm around my shoulders, hugging me against his side as we head for the lobby, leaving Mr. Sniffles napping on his bed.

A few minutes later, we’re strolling down the quiet street, the summer evening warm and welcoming around us. The breeze carries the scent of night-blooming jasmine and yummy smells from the restaurants down the block, and I send out a silent wave of gratitude.

It’s a good night to be alive with a man who makes silence feel easy.

I don’t push him, sensing he’ll speak when he’s ready.

Sure enough, about ten minutes in, he says, “I saw Garcia, the backup goalie, talking to the assistant General Manager outside the arena last night. I know it sounds paranoid as hell, but Stone warned me that Garcia has his sights on me. And Hartley, the assistant GM…” He trails off, his jaw working before he adds, “Let’s just say he’s made it clear he doesn’t think guys like me deserve second chances.”

“Guys like you?” I echo.

Tank’s steps slow and his expression tightens. “Guys with a history of substance abuse. Guys who fucked up their first shot at the big leagues by getting high and wandering into the street in front of a drunk driver.”

My breath catches—the thought of him being hit by a car affecting me in a visceral way. “Oh my God, Tank. That’s intense. I’m so glad you’re okay.”

He stops beside me, his brows drawing together as he asks, “Did you really not google me?”

My pulse picks up. “No, I didn’t. But I did ask Bree about you. She mentioned that you’d been through some stuff, but she wasn’t specific. She was trying to respect your privacy while also...” I bite my lip as my cheeks heat. “While also making sure I knew what I was getting into if I decided to date you. I’m sorry if that feels like I went behind your back. It was the night we kissed for the first time, after the food trucks. I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t a mistake to have the feelings I was starting to have for you.”

To my surprise, his features soften with understanding instead of irritation. A confession like that would have had Drake fuming, but he just murmurs, “You don’t need to apologize. I get it. Stone and I were talking last night about what pieces of shit most men are. You’re smart to be careful.” He frowns as he adds in a gruffer voice, “And you should have googled me. Your safety is more important than my privacy. I could have been a serial killer.”

I smile, more charmed than I can remember being in a long time. “You’re not a serial killer.”

“No, but I’m…problematic,” he says with a sigh.

“No, you’re not. You’re Tank, and I think you’re pretty great. I’m sure Hartley will, too. Just give him time, and a chance to get to know you. You’ll make a good impression, no doubt in my mind.”

“I appreciate that. A lot.” He stretches his neck to one side, rubbing at the tight muscle there. “But I’m no angel, Teach, especially when it comes to romantic relationships. The only woman I was ever serious about…” He clears his throat. “I fucked things up with her. Big time.”

My brows drift up my forehead. “Yeah?”

“Long story short, I made her promises, broke those promises, betrayed her trust, and by the time I finally pulled my head out of my ass and tried to get her back, she was pregnant with another man’s baby.”

I wince. “Ouch.”

“Yeah. He was an asshole and a criminal and dragged Michelle down with him. Eventually, they both ended up in prison for dealing, though I doubt she had much to do with it.” His gaze remains fixed on the ground between us as he adds, “Their kid ended up in the system.”

“That’s a really sad story,” I say softly.

“It is.” He runs a hand over his hair to curl around the back of his neck. “And if I hadn’t broken her heart and my word, none of that would have happened. She’d still have a life, a future.”

“Hey.” I reach for his free hand, twining my fingers through his. “You can’t blame yourself for other people’s choices, Tank. It’s not your fault that she chose the wrong rebound guy.”

“No, but I wasn’t there when she needed me. And after all that went down…” He squeezes my hand. “That’s when I really started to spiral. You don’t want to know how many pills I was taking every day by the time I finally realized I had to get clean. I’m lucky I didn’t end up in prison myself. Or dead.”


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