Check out an exclusive excerpt from Sarina Bowen’s next hockey romance Pipe Dreams, which is being released May 2!

About ‘Pipe Dreams’ by Sarina Bowen:

A goalie has to trust his instincts, even when taking a shot to the heart…

Mike Beacon is a champion at defending the net, but off the ice, he’s not so lucky. A widower and a single father, he’s never forgotten Lauren Williams, the ex who gave him the best year of his life. When Lauren reappears in the Bruisers office during the playoffs, Beacon sees his chance to make things right.

Lauren hates that she’s forced to travel with the team she used to work for and the man who broke her heart. There’s still undeniable sexual tension running between her and Mike, but she won’t go down that road again. She’s focused on her plans for the future — she doesn’t need a man to make her dreams of motherhood come true.

Lauren plays her best defensive game, but she’s no match for the dark-eyed goalie. When the field of play moves to Florida, things heat up on the beach.

One of Mike’s biggest fans doesn’t approve — his teenage daughter. But a true competitor knows not to waste the perfect shot at love.

‘Pipe Dreams’ by Sarina Bowen exclusive excerpt:

Mike watched Lauren’s expression from too many feet away. Her face was flushed with defiance. He didn’t know how to break through her anger, and there very, very few tools left in his arsenal. Charm hadn’t worked yet. And his apology had only gotten him so far.

Laying all of his cards on the table, he tried to make her understand. “What if I told you the last person I kissed was you?”

She rolled her eyes. “Since you ambushed me on the sidewalk just the other night, forgive me if I’m not impressed.”

Slowly, he shook his head. “Not then. Two years ago.”

Her disbelief was palpable. “What are you trying to say?”

Bracing a foot on the carpet, he leaned forward and snagged her hand, tugging her close to where he sat. As soon as she was in range, he put his cheek to her ribcage and wrapped his arms around her waist. “The last person I kissed was you. The last person I took to bed was you. Just you.”

Her body went still, but he could hear her heart pounding beneath his ear. “You can’t be serious,” she whispered.

Tilting his chin upward, he found her gaze. “I’ve never been more serious.”

“But…” she stammered. “You… Your wife…”

He shook his head. “It wasn’t like that with us. I was there to ease her pain. And Elsa’s.”

“That’s so incredibly sad,” she whispered.

Now she gets it. “Yeah, I noticed. I signed up for a whole lot of sad. But Shelly got one final year with her child, and she got a husband who came home whenever he could to tuck our kid into bed and try to convince the two of them that everything was going to be okay.”

Lauren’s arms closed around his head, her fingers gripping him distractedly. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” His throat was rough but he cleared it. “Not trying to depress you. I’m just telling you how it is with me, and that I’ve always wanted you. Even if it’s only for tonight. I’m not dumb enough to ask you to make promises.”

Her fingers brushed through his hair, caressing his scalp, and he closed his eyes and tried to memorize the feel of her touch. She smelled of expensive perfume and sunshine. She smelled so fucking whole and alive that his eyes stung with happiness.

“I’m sorry for your troubles,” she said. “I really mean that.”

He made a grunt of acknowledgement, though it sounded like he was about to get the brush-off. “I know I came on strong tonight. But I meant every word I said.”

“It’s not easy for me to give in to you.”

“I’ll bet it isn’t. Tell you what—let me fill up that kickass tub in the other room.”

“W-what?” she stammered.

“Let’s have a soak. I’m trying not to paw at you like a beast.”

She actually laughed, but he hadn’t been joking. He was hard as a goalie stick and having her body in his arms was making him crazy. Without waiting for a response, he gently disengaged from her and stood up. He nabbed the bottle of champagne and their glasses, and carried them into the giant spa bathroom, where he started the water flowing.

The lights were on a dimmer switch, so he lowered them to just a glow. Then he refilled both their glasses and stripped out of his clothes.

He was already in the tub, sipping champagne, when Lauren came to stand in the doorway, still fully dressed.

“Last one in is a total babe,” he said, taking a casual sip. But his heart was thudding inside his chest.

She gave him a tiny smile. “I can’t believe I’m actually considering getting in that tub with you.”

“You hold all the cards, sweetheart.” No truer words were ever spoken.

Lauren looked him over with gentle eyes. “You know I want to. I never stopped wanting you, you jerk.”

He grinned.

“If I do this, it’s just for tonight,” she said. “My life is complicated right now.”

His smile faded in a hurry. “Is there someone else?”

She shook her head. “Just a lot of changes I’m considering. Graduating in a few weeks, making plans. That sort of thing.”

“Oh.” He tried to imagine what that could mean. Maybe she was considering moving away from New York? Now there was a ghastly thought. “Hop in, Lo. If a night is all I can have, I’ll take it.”

Not that he’d give up on her tomorrow. But a guy had to start somewhere.

When Lauren’s gaze perused his body, he knew victory was near. They’d always had the kind of sexual chemistry that other people only dreamt about. He closed his eyes and relaxed against the slanted tub, inviting her gaze to linger.

He heard the rustle of clothing, so he opened his eyes again. She’d turned her back on him. But he made an involuntary grunt when he realized she’d reached back to find the zipper of her dress.

“Want help with that?” he offered.

Wordlessly she took a couple of steps backward until he could reach her with his free hand. She held the fabric taut while he lowered the zipper slowly. The dress began to fall away, leaving her in a tiny strapless bra and a white lace thong.

“Jesus,” he muttered. “Way to kill a guy.”

“You don’t have to look,” she pointed out, stepping out of the dress…

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