by L A Cotton
“Just trust me.”
I caught his eye in the rear-view mirror and he smiled.
“How does it drive?”
“Like a dream. I didn’t bother test driving anything else.” I took the next turn. The ocean glistened in the distance, the sun burning high in the clear blue sky.
“Keep going all the way to the end and hit a left.”
“You’re not going to be like this all the time, are you? An insufferable backseat driver?” Laughter spilled from my lips and it felt so good.
In the last two weeks, Maverick and I had gone from strength to strength. After he proposed, we’d talked through all our insecurities and concerns. He knew I wanted to be there for him, and I knew he didn’t want me to put my life on hold. There had to be some compromise, so I’d spoken to SU and they were happy to let me drop some classes until Maverick was settled. If things progressed steadily, I’d pick them back up, and if they didn’t, I’d make up any credits next year.
“Okay, just up here on the left.” We were almost at the beach, driving down a small row of bungalows that backed onto the ocean. It was a new development on the edge of town.
I found a parking spot and pulled over, cutting the engine. “Want to tell me what this is all about?” I glanced back at Maverick and his eyes twinkled with mischief.
“Get me out of this thing and I’ll show you.”
“So bossy.” I rolled my eyes. Climbing out of the minivan, I pressed the button on the key fob. The side-door slid open and the ramp glided out. I helped Maverick unlatch his chair and he maneuvered out like an old pro. It didn’t surprise me though; he had the kind of tenacity that put most people to shame.
“Come on.” He led me down the street to the last house. “So, don’t get mad, okay, but I did a thing.”
“What thing?”
Maverick gazed up at me with so much love and longing it stole the breath from my lungs. “I know how you felt about me moving back into the pool house and I know you really wanted to find somewhere for us in Steinbeck. But I've been thinking, what if we stay here, in the Bay? At least, until I’m back on my feet. Because I will be, you know?” The corner of his mouth tipped. “One day, I’ll be able to stand with you on our patio and overlook the ocean.”
I glanced over at the cute bungalow and back to Maverick, butterflies flapping wildly in my stomach. “Tell me this isn’t what I think it is?”
“Welcome home, Lo.”
Tears burned the backs of my eyes as I tried to absorb what he was saying. “T- this is ours?”
“It’s a long-term rental, but we can see how it goes.”
“You’re crazy.” A garbled laugh escaped my lips.
“No, I’m just a guy who loves a girl.” He reached for my hand, threading our fingers together. “I know this isn’t what we had planned, and I know life is going to be strange for a while, but nothing... nothing will ever change the way I feel about you. I love you, Lo, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”
“It’s really ours?” Tears streamed freely down my cheeks.
“It sure is.” He pulled a key out of his pocket. “Want to see inside?”
“Hmm, yes.” My eyes grew wide with excitement as I plucked it from his hand and took off up the path.
It was perfect. An accessible bungalow that had a large open-plan living room and a kitchen with French doors that led out to a tiled area complete with sunken hot tub and incredible views of the ocean. Everything was on one level and spacious enough that Maverick would have no problems navigating the layout.
“I love it,” I breathed, turning to find him watching me.
“We knew you would.”
“We?”
“I’m good, London, but I’m not that good.” He glided closer to me. “My mom spent the last couple of weeks checking out places for us.”
“She did? But what about the pool house?”
“You know what she’s like. She wants me to feel welcome at the house, and I love her for it. But as soon as I told her my plan, she was completely on board. Lucky for us, she knew the woman handling sales for the new development. She happened to mention they had one fully accessible property. It was earmarked for beach rentals, but Mom managed to negotiate a long-term rental agreement. It’s ours for as long as we want.”
“That’s...” I gulped. “I don’t know what to say.”
“This way, we have our own space, but they’re close by. She’s going to want to be around.”
“Of course, she’s your mom.”
“But you,” he took my hand, staring up at me with so much intensity everything else melted away until there was nothing but the two of us, “You’re my forever, Lo. Now what do you say? Let’s go fool around on the bed before Kyle gatecrashes again.”
“Yeah?” My stomach clenched. God, it had been so long since I’d been close to Maverick.
“I mean, I doubt I’ll be up to my usual standards,” he shot me a uncertain smile, “but I’m sure I remember exactly how to touch you to make you scream my name.”
“Is that a challenge?” I chuckled, already unravelling at the heated intention in his words.
“No, it’s a promise. Bedroom, now.” His hand collided with my jean shorts and I yelped.
“You’re so bossy.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet. Five seconds, Lo, I mean it.”
“Maverick, you’re not seriously—”
“Five.” His eyes narrowed, a gorgeous smirk tugging at his lips. “Four,” he said when I didn’t move. “I’m faster, you should probably get a head start. Three…”
“Fine, fine,” I smothered a grin, and took off down the hall toward the bedroom, Maverick’s laughter following me the whole way.
“You can run, Lo,” he called, his voice so full of love and happiness I wanted to bottle it, “but I will always catch you.”
Chapter Nineteen
Three months later...
Maverick
“Okay?” Lo asked me as we got situated in our seats. We were in the VIP section of the Nixon Arena, right behind the team. A couple of guys gave me a nod and I returned it, slowly lowering myself into the chair and letting Lo take my elbow crutches. She placed them to the side of her seat and took my hand in hers.
It was a big night.
The Scorpions had their opening game of the season, and I knew she was worried how I’d feel being here. The truth was though, I was fine. Sure, it stung knowing I wouldn’t get to play with my teammates, my senior season a distant dream, but I’d found peace with it over the last few weeks.
Rehabilitation had changed me. Watching the other patients come and go from the clinic, realizing how bad my injuries could have been... well, it gave me perspective. I was alive and I was making good progress. I had my fiancée by my side, a good family in my corner, and friends who refused to let me stay down for long on the days where everything got too much.
Life was good. Not what I expected for my senior year at college, but if the accident had taught me anything, it was that things could change in a heartbeat.
“It’s good to see you, son.” Coach Baxter leaned over the railing separating the team bench and the VIP section.
“It’s been like three days.” I’d finally been cleared to do some gentle conditioning with the team.
“Ahh, what can I say?” He chuckled. “You’re growing on me, Prince.”
“They’re looking strong.” I flicked my head to where the team were warming up. “Messiah will get the job done.”
“Damn right, he will.” Declan swaggered over to us, leaning over to slap my hand. “I’m so fucking glad to see you here.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Just keep a cool head and remember those plays.”
“I’m chill.” A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Got my lucky charm in the crowd.” Declan winked at Lo and a low growl rumbled in my chest.
“That’s your cue to fuck off.” I slung my arm around Lo’s nec
k, and she laid her head on my shoulder.
“I’ll catch you at half-time,” Coach said, tipping the bill of his cap at us before dragging Declan away.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Lo peeked up at me.
“I’m fine.” I kissed the tip of her nose. “I thought it’d be harder, but honestly, I’m just happy to be here.”
“I’m so proud of you.” Lo leaned up to kiss me, brushing her lips lightly against mine. She went to break away, but I slid my fingers into her hair, deepening the kiss, curling my tongue around hers and not letting up until she was breathless and flushed.
“I probably shouldn’t have done that,” I whispered against her smile.
“Why not?”
“Because now all I can think about is taking you home and stripping you out of your clothes and tasting every inch of your skin.”
“God, Maverick,” she breathed.
“What do you say, London, you want to—”
Cheers erupted around us and Lo went still in my arms. “Please tell me we’re not on the jumbotron?”
I peeked up and sure enough there was me and Lo on screen for everyone to see. “Wave for the camera,” I said unable to keep the humor out of my voice.
Lo buried herself in my chest but they weren’t letting us escape that easily.
“We have a special couple in the house tonight,” the announcer said over the speakers. “Give it up for your captain, Maverick Prince.” The place went wild, the seven thousand strong crowd lifting the roof of the Nixon Arena. “It’s great to see Maverick back with us after a...” he launched into a rundown of events that led to this moment, but I barely heard the words over the applause.
“That’s all for you,” Lo whispered against the shell of my ear.
Emotion welled inside me. I was here, I was still a part of the team, sitting in my Scorpion jersey. But the reality was, I probably wouldn’t play college ball again. And I was okay with that.
I had to be.
Lo
Despite the team’s crushing win over the other team, Maverick was quiet. I squeezed his hand as he got up and passed him the crutches. He was already a pro on them, moving with grace and ease as he navigated the steps leading down to the court.
“Prince, my man,” Darnell came over, sweaty and breathless.
“Nice win.” Rick slipped his hand free and accepted Darnell’s fist bump.
“Lo, you taking good care of my guy?”
“You know it.”
“Any word on when we might be getting you back?”
Maverick tensed and I stepped forward, laying a hand on his arm. “It’s still early days, Darnell. One step at a time, right?”
“Of course. Listen, I should probably go...” He thumbed over to where the rest of the team were celebrating. “But don’t be a stranger, Prince. Campus just ain’t the same without you.” Darnell jogged away and I wrapped my arm around Maverick’s.
“Okay?”
“Yeah.” He stared off at his teammates, longing in his eyes. Maverick said he’d made his peace with the prospect of never being able to play again, but I knew he was putting on a brave face for everyone. Me included.
Basketball was in his blood, part of his DNA.
“There are other options, Maverick. Coaching, minor league...”
“I know.” He ran a hand down his face. “I just...”
“It’s harder than you thought it would be.”
“I’ll be okay.” He steeled his expression. “But I think I’m ready to go home now.”
“Come here.” Maverick pulled me down on top of him, my body fitting against his in a way that had me swallowing a moan.
“I’ve been thinking,” he said, curving his hand around my neck and guiding my face to his. “How do you feel about a winter wedding?”
“I thought you wanted a summer wedding?”
“I don’t know. Lake Tahoe was pretty incredible the other year. We could hire the same lodge, rent one of those carriages. It could be pretty magical.”
“After I graduate?”
“Honestly, I don’t think I want to wait that long.”
“So next winter?” We’d talked about what kind of wedding we wanted, but we’d both decided to wait and see how things went with Maverick’s rehab.
“Yeah, unless you want to wait…”
I cupped his face, shaking my head. “I don’t want to wait.” I wanted to be Mrs. Eloise Prince as soon as we could make it happen.
“It’s enough time for my mom to plan something.”
“She’ll freak if we tell her we want a winter wedding.”
“She’ll deal. It’s our day...” Something swirled in his eyes. “I know Kyle proposed to Laurie there, but it was always supposed to be where I proposed. So having the wedding there feels right. Like we’ve come full circle.”
“I love it, but what about the draft?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure it’s the right call anymore. We don’t even know I’ll play again this season, if ever.”
I brushed my lips over Maverick’s. “There is so much more to you than just basketball,” I whispered.
“I know. I’ll find my way.”
“You will.” I nodded. “And I’ll be right there with you, every step of the way.”
SU had been great with Maverick, accommodating his needs as much as possible. He was on a reduced schedule and taking some online classes, and they were hopeful that he could still graduate next May.
Maverick kissed me, sliding his tongue past my lips as he skimmed a hand down my body, finding the hem of my Scorpions t-shirt. Dragging his hands back up my body, I held up my arms, letting him yank it off.
His eyes were hooded, dark with desire as they raked over my curves. “You are so fucking beautiful.” Rick trailed a finger along my collarbone and down the valley of my breasts, toying with the front clasp of my bra. Snapping it open, he pushed the straps down my arms. His thumb gently flicked over my nipple, sending a bolt of lust shooting through me. Maverick dipped his head, teasing the pebbled bud with his tongue before drawing it into his mouth.
“Oh god,” I suppressed a moan, arching into him. He continued licking and sucking the skin, alternating from one breast to the other. My hips began to rock, desperate to feel him where I needed him most.
“Greedy girl,” he smirked against my neck, nipping the skin there.
“I need you,” I breathed.
Rick gently gripped my chin, bringing my face to his. “I’m right here, Lo. Take whatever you need.”
Maverick dipped his hand between us and freed himself from his boxers. I stroked his hard length a couple of times, reveling in his moans of pleasure. “Fuck, Lo...” His hand curved around my hip as I jacked him harder. “I need inside you, now,” he growled the words, kissing me fiercely.
I tugged at the side ties of my knickers and let them slide away. Rising on my knees, I grasped him firmly, rocking myself on him, letting the tip of his dick bump my clit. We both gasped.
“Lo...” Maverick held the back of my neck as I slowly sank down on him, my eyes locked on his, saying everything I was too overwhelmed to say.
“God, Rick...” My head fell back as I adjusted to the feel of him. Me on top was the easiest position for us these days, but it never got old, the feel of him so deep, stretching me.
I rolled my hips back and forth, grinding on him the way we both loved so much. Maverick played with my breasts, his teeth and tongue marking my skin, tasting and teasing me. His hands were everywhere, clamped around my hip, stroking my clit, in my hair as he tried to take control.
“Harder,” he commanded, thrusting up inside me, grunting against my mouth.
“I can’t... it’s...” God, it was everything. I felt weightless, coasting a wave of intense pleasure.
“This... me... you... it will never get old.” Maverick ground out the words as our movements became frantic, both of us racing toward the edge.
“I’m close,” the words spilled out
as I raked my nails down his back, needing more.
Needing everything he had to give me.
Maverick fisted my hair, biting my shoulder as he thrust into me harder. Pleasure shot through me, shattering me apart at the seams.
His muscles tensed as he spilled inside me. “I love you, Lo.” He trailed a finger over my lips, kissing me softly.
“I love you too.”
We’d survived so much; I knew we could withstand any storm that blew our way. Because Maverick and I weren’t fleeting. Our love didn’t have an expiration date or a set of exceptions. It was pure. Undeniable.
It was the kind of love that would stand the test of time.
And we had all the time in the world.
Epilogue
Thirteen months later...
Maverick
“I now pronounce you man and wife. Maverick, you may kiss your bride.”
Lo beamed up at me; so much love and happiness glittering in her eyes. I felt on top of the world.
She was mine.
After five years of our fair share of drama, heartache, and ups and downs, we were finally here.
“Come here, Mrs. Eloise Prince.” I curved my hand around her neck and drew her near, fixing my mouth over hers. Lo fisted my crisp, white dress shirt, anchoring us together as my tongue slipped past her lips and tangled with her own.
Applause rang out behind us, but it didn’t stop me kissing her. My wife. My heart. The most important thing in my life.
It had been a long road to this point. After we’d decided on a winter wedding, my mom had thrown herself into planning mode and we’d let her roll with it. Lo and I were more than happy to focus on each other, and my recovery. Everyone had hoped I would play again, but when I’d finally ditched the elbow crutches, it hadn’t quite gone to plan. And it quickly became apparent I wasn’t going to make my miraculous senior year comeback.
It had been a tough few weeks, but Lo never once faltered in her support. She was my rock, and thanks to her and Coach Baxter, I began to look past college ball to new opportunities.