by Robyn M Ryan
“But, w–why?”
He set her on her feet and cupped her face in his hands. “You came here all by yourself and conquered those nightmare memories of your childhood. Then you had the courage to put everything on paper, prepared to stand up to the bullies in the world.”
“Anonymously take on the world,” Lauren corrected.
“Not if I have anything to say about it. I’ll explain, but I need to do something first.” He pulled her against him as his mouth met hers in a crushing kiss, unlike anything she’d ever experienced. Emotion flowed from Dave through Lauren, claiming her, daring her to refuse. Lauren’s arms found their way around his neck, first grabbing the thick hair on the back of his head, then grazing her fingernails against his neck, staking her own claim. He tasted like scotch and mint, and Lauren could only hope the chai tea had erased any hint of garlic. After an eternity of bliss, Dave pulled back and leaned his forehead against hers. “Decision time, squirt. Shall we continue…” He punctuated his words with a kiss. “…or do you want my take on your statement first?”
Lauren didn’t hesitate a nanosecond. She tightened her arms around his neck and pulled herself up until she could wrap her legs around his waist. He boosted her up, his fingers grazing the edge of her sleep shorts. “Talking’s overrated.” She could barely gasp the words.
She knew they were moving but didn’t care. She just wanted to continue kissing him. “Can’t believe you’re here.”
“Can’t believe I took so fucking long to come for you.”
Lauren screeched as he tossed her in the middle of the bed, then laughed and reached for him as Dave dropped beside her. Lauren giggled as the mattress jumped, but the giggles turned into soft moans when Dave rained kisses and nipped her skin over what felt like every inch of her body. He made short work of removing her camisole and shorts, and Lauren protested softly by grabbing his shirt and tugging it from his jeans. She ran her hands against the taut muscles on his back, then tried to force the shirt over his head.
Dave pulled back, the smirk she loved crossing his face. “Bossy much?” He pushed her hands aside when she tried to unbutton his shirt, tossing it on the floor, then the smile widened when she reached for his belt. “Hold that thought, babe.” He left her briefly as he shed his remaining clothes, Lauren content to reacquaint her eyes with his muscled body. She touched a bruise on his shoulder.
“Block a puck?”
“Nope. Shoulder hit.”
“Penalty called?”
“Don’t remember.” Dave resumed his exploration of her skin. If he intended to drive Lauren crazy, it didn’t take long before she begged him.
“Please, Marty…I can’t…”
He chuckled softly as his lips claimed hers again. “Don’t suppose you have a condom?”
“Of course not.” She swatted at his shoulder. “Don’t you? Never mind, I’m on the pill, remember?”
“You didn’t forget with everything going on?”
His teasing grin caused Lauren to groan. “I. Don’t. Think. I. Forgot.”
“Think? You want to take a chance with ‘think?’”
“I don’t care, Marty. Please!”
He winked as he pulled away and reached for his wallet. He held the packet before her eyes. “Just kidding you. If you’d had some, you’d have some explaining to do.”
Lauren grabbed the packet and ripped it open. With a laugh, Dave took it from her hand. “Patience, tiger. You don’t want to tear it. Limited quantity.”
“You’re making me crazy, Marty.”
He leaned to kiss her. “My intent, babe.”
#
Lauren wanted to stay in the shelter of Dave’s arms forever. Their hearts seemed to beat in unison as she lay with her head pressed against his chest. “Please tell me this isn’t just a dream.” She heard the soft chuckle rumble in his chest.
“Not a dream, squirt. You had dinner?”
She pushed up on her elbows so she could see his eyes. “You haven’t?”
“Slept through the food service on the flight here.”
“I’ve got some pasta and eggplant parmesan in the fridge. I can warm it up.”
“Sounds like a great appetizer. I’ll see if I can order a couple steaks and more pasta.”
She ran her hand against the growing stubble on his cheek. “Want to shower with me?”
“You need to ask? Get the bathroom all hot and steamy—the way you prefer. I’ll order room service, then join you.” He trailed his fingers along her spine. “Or we can just continue what you started…” She saw his eyes darken as he awaited her response.
“What I started? After that kiss…” She loved the spark that flashed in his eyes. “Mutual spontaneous combustion?”
“Most definitely.” He rolled toward the side of the bed, bringing Lauren with him. He set her on her feet before he stood and playfully swatted her rear. “Get the shower started—just don’t boil me like a lobster.”
“Trust me, Mr. Martin.”
#
Dave offered Lauren a taste of his steak. “Tender.”
She shook her head, her eyes tracking his every move. “I’m content. Do you want another beer?”
He glanced at the bottle he’d just consumed. “Nah, I’m good. Need to remember we’re hosting the Habs day after tomorrow.” He showed the dishes of pasta and vegetables that accompanied the steaks. “Got to stick to the plan.”
“So…you have to leave when?”
“Tonight, on the red eye.” He glanced to check her expression. “I got two fancy first class seats—will you come back with me?”
“You haven’t told me why you think I should not be anonymous with my…whatever you want to call it.”
“One hell of an indictment against people who get their highs by ripping random strangers apart online.” He paused as he loaded his fork with pasta. “I call it courageous, educational, heartbreaking, and Pulitzer-prize worthy.” He gently tucked her hair behind her ear. “I composed my perspective on the experience, and I think we should go public with it together, as a couple.”
He watched Lauren shake her head as he ate the pasta. “Why do that, Marty? You don’t need to jump in to rescue me. I’m pretty sure I can deal with it.”
Dave looked out the window for a minute. “I’m not about to rescue you, squirt. I have my own reasons to respond. I never told you I’m adopted and was in foster care briefly.”
“No idea, Marty. You and your family look so much alike.”
He shrugged. “Bonus of landing with the perfect parents. They wanted kids, and it didn’t look like they’d be able to overcome some fertility issue. Lucky for me, they were in the system waiting for a child when I came along.”
“How old were you?”
“Six days. My bio-mom gave me up at birth. Never even wanted to see me.” Dave could see Lauren’s mind racing as she processed his revelation. “I decided I didn’t want to find the girl, woman, whoever gave birth to me. My parents are my only parents in my mind. You know they got pregnant just as I turned a year old.” He set down the fork and gently brushed the hair away from her eyes. “So, I lucked out with siblings. But just because my experience was seamless, I still experience that feeling of not being wanted, not what my bio-mom wanted, not good enough. I can share a small part of the pain that’s always lurking in the back of your mind. I think that’s one reason I push for a commitment—I need to know you will not walk away.”
“Kinda like I’m afraid to commit because I know my parents didn't want me—just a nuisance. Not good enough. I’m always afraid of another rejection.”
Dave gently caught a tear that escaped her eyes. “That’s why we’re perfect together, babe.” He kissed her briefly. “I was klutzy and uncoordinated through most of my childhood. I grew too fast, and my brain had to play catch up. By secondary school, I was mediocre at hockey but determined to make the team. The summer before the first year, my parents sent me to back-to-back-to-back hockey camps.”
“And you made varsity your first year.”
“Nope. I played on the lower level team, plus a junior team. My life revolved around studying and spending every spare minute on the ice. Twenty-four-seven, three-sixty-five.”
Lauren tucked her feet beneath her and fingered the brown hair that brushed against his collar. “Were you part of the jocks and cheerleader crowd?”
“Hate to burst your bubble, babe, but I wasn’t included in that group until my last year in secondary. At that point, I didn’t care. I focused on making a team in the Western Hockey League.” He pushed the plate aside. “Our experiences weren’t that different, Lauren. It’s not fair, but a guy’s behavior’s likely to be excused while the girl faces ridicule and condemnation.” He turned toward her and cupped her face in his hands. “Now, just because I’m a professional athlete, my girl’s considered a fair target for rumors and insults? Many could share similar stories, but what the invisible “they” did to you was inexcusable. Just because you’re ‘my girl’ should not result in having your life exposed and dissected on the Internet—facts true or false.” She leaned her head against his shoulder as Dave slipped his arm around her. “That sums up my statement. Together, I believe we can make a difference.”
45
AFTER LAUREN AGREED to return to Tampa with Dave, the next few hours raced by in what felt like warp speed. Lauren panicked when she remembered her little stuffed rabbit at the toy repair shop. What if the shop has closed already? She dialed the number on the receipt. Please, please, please be open. Can’t leave without him. To her relief, the man she thought of as Santa Claus answered the call. He had just finished repairing her toy that day, and yes, she could pick it up. He lived above the shop and instructed her to call when she had arrived.
Dave looked at her with a quizzical expression as she flopped on the couch in relief. “You okay, babe?”
As rapidly as she could speak, Lauren described finding the little stuffed bunny which was now at the repair shop. Dave looked at her half-packed carry-on and held his hand out for the receipt.
“I’ll pick it up. Then, I’ll check out, and in the meantime, you get everything you’ve accumulated into that carry-on.” He kissed her forehead. “Clock’s ticking, babe.”
Packing proved a challenge. She stuffed everything she could into the suitcase and folded the few remaining items. She placed these in the laundry bag with a note to donate to a shelter. She hid the plastic bag where Dave wouldn’t see it, then called Amanda, asking if they could stop by on the way to the airport. He entered the room just as she ended the call, a speculative smile on his face. “Everything packed?”
Lauren nodded at her carry-on bag and picked up her purse. Dave held up the small bag he carried. “I’ll give it to you in the car.” He grabbed her carry-on bag and opened the door.
“Do we have time to stop at Amanda’s house?”
“Just a quick fly-by, okay?”
The driver of his hired luxury sedan opened the back door and put the suitcase in the trunk.
“You don’t want to see your parents?” Lauren struggled with the seatbelt, and he leaned across her to untangle it.
“No time, hon. If we make it to the Final, my entire family will travel to some games. You’ve met my parents—no way we could be in and out in ten minutes.” He covered the hand she rested on his thigh. “Will we need a stopwatch at your sister’s?”
“Nope. Short and sweet, so long as Cassie doesn’t go off on some tangent. She’s likely to say something about coming to Tampa after graduation.” She stole a glance at his expression and saw the teasing smile cross his face.
“And I’m likely to invite her to stay with us—if you don’t mind, Ms. Gentry.”
Lauren reached to kiss his cheek. “Be careful what you get yourself into, Mr. Martin.”
Dave turned his head, so the kiss landed on his lips. “I’ll take my chances.”
“Can I please have my bunny now?”
He placed the bag in her hands. “All yours.”
Lauren’s eyes filled with tears as she lifted the stuffed bunny from the bag.
“The material’s very fragile, and I don’t know what shape it was in when you took it to the shop, but it looks almost like new. What do you think?”
Lauren shook her head as she pressed the stuffed toy against her heart. “This little guy was my best friend until the day I left the house. I still can’t believe he was up under the bed in his hiding place.”
“I’m glad you found him again. We’ll find a special place for him at home.”
Lauren directed the driver to a parking space near Amanda’s home. She linked her arm through Dave’s as they climbed the stairs to the front porch, and she took a deep breath before knocking on the door. Why am I so nervous? They know we’re stopping by. Worried what Allyson or Amanda may say?
Dave squeezed her hand as the door opened and Cassie tried to throw her arms around both. She almost knocked the three of them to the ground in her enthusiasm. Lauren grabbed Cassie in a hug as Dave helped both regain their balance.
“Oops, sorry guys. I’m so happy to see you, Dave—but you’re both leaving so soon.” Her excitement morphed into a pout.
“Cassie, let them in the door,” Amanda called. Lauren reached for Dave’s hand as she led him into the living area. “Marty, you’ve met my sister, Amanda, I think?”
He held his hand out with a sincere smile. “It’s been several years. Good to see you again.”
“I’m sure this was a pleasant surprise for Lauren.”
“The best.” Lauren swallowed the urge to laugh as she turned to Allyson, who remained seated in a chair. “This is Allyson…my mother. Allyson, this is my guy, Dave Martin.”
“I’m sorry I’m not standing—I overexerted myself earlier.” Lauren watched as her eyes looked closely at Dave. Please don’t say anything about men. Don’t embarrass him or me. Allyson rewarded Dave with a large smile. “I’m happy to have the chance to meet you. I wish we had time to visit a while.”
“Marty has to get back. Practice tomorrow and playoff game the next day. We can’t miss that flight.” Lauren realized she’d begun babbling. Dave slipped his arm around her waist as he greeted Lauren’s mother.
“I’m happy we had the chance to meet,” Dave said as he extended his hand.
Allyson took his hand with a shy smile. “I can see why Lauren is so smitten with you.”
Dave laughed as Lauren felt her cheeks burning. “If anyone’s smitten, that would be me. Very nice to meet you. I’m sorry we’re pressed for time. I’m sure we’ll have other opportunities to visit.”
“No time for tea or a cup of coffee?” Amanda offered.
“We’re on a super tight schedule, Amanda. I’m sure we’ll see each other soon.” She looked up at Dave and smiled. “Marty’s family is here, too, you know.”
“Once we’re through the playoffs, we can plan something.” Dave glanced at his watch. “Babe…”
“I know, we’ve got to go.” Lauren blew kisses to the women as he ushered her from the home. Once back in the car, Lauren released a sigh of relief. “Thanks for the ‘go’ signal. I didn’t have to decide who to hug or kiss.”
“Maybe not so awkward for you next time.”
“Let’s make it a large gathering. Then I might relax.”
Dave slipped his arm behind her and drew her close. His lips brushed her ears. “I can think of a couple things that will calm you, babe.”
“I might need those if the flight gets bumpy.”
“Good thing our super deluxe first-class seats are side-by-side.” A wink accompanied a crooked smile. “I’d have had a lot of lonely, empty space if you’d stayed in Vancouver.”
#
After trying out all the gadgets in the seating area separated by a mere six-inch-high partial partition, Lauren invaded his “space” by perching on the end of his fully reclined seat/bed. Dave stretched out comfortably and leaned against pillows behind him.
“I never knew these type seats existed. You fit without scrunching up your legs. Gee, my little private pod excited me on the flight out.” She looked around their area. “How did you score these seats? Back of first class and that galley wall makes it feel like a private room.”
“Just need to ask…these seats stay empty, and the pilots use them if they need a nap. There’s another pair on the other side of the plane.”
“So, you paid off the pilots to get their seats?”
She saw the amusement cross his face.
“Not quite. Just need to know what to request. These seats are mainly for cross-country-plus-overseas flights.”
“Should I ask how you know this?” Lauren teased as she scooted up toward him on the seat.
“Saw them on the flight out and asked about them. Then I pulled up the app and changed our seats.” Dave pulled her toward him for a kiss. “Other questions?”
She shook her head and reached to smooth the tousled hair that fell against his forehead. “I love how you think, Mr. Martin.” She traced his forehead and cheek until she reached the longer-than-usual facial hair. “This is just your playoff beard? You’re not going all lumberjack on me, are you? Like those guys in California?”
Dave laughed as he traced the golden bunny necklace against her chest. “No plans to, babe. I’m happy to see you’re wearing this.”
“I never take it off—I love my bunny.” She reached across the low partition to pick up the stuffed toy. “I had forgotten all about this rabbit until I stepped inside my old bedroom. The memories swept over me like a wave…Thank you for picking him up—I don’t know if I could have left Vancouver without him.”
Dave’s brown eyes danced with mischief. “You’d choose an old stuffed toy over me?”
Lauren pushed at his chest. “Well, I guess I would have had to FedEx him home. You didn’t tell me how much I need to give you for the bunny and the hotel bill.”