The Broken Marriage (New Hampshire Bears Book 14)

by Mary Smith

  “I’m glad,” Mikayla said with deep sincerity.

  Taking a deep breath, she confessed what weighed heaviest on her. “We didn’t use anything.”

  Quickly, Mikayla eyed her with concern. “Are you okay?”

  “Worried. Scared. Ready to burst into tears.” She ticked off her emotions one by one.

  “Don’t go there,” Mikayla commanded. “You’re happy again. It’s been three years since I’ve seen you this happy. Don’t let fear ruin it for you. Or for him.”

  Jenessa nodded, but that fear crept right up her spine and rested in her brain. Her thoughts ran wild through every possible scenario. Mostly the worst ones.

  “Do you want Shade?” she asked.

  “Yes.” She didn’t hesitate with her answer.

  “Then you need to enjoy this time. Reconnecting with your husband is the number one priority. If you get pregnant, we’re all going to celebrate. But don’t ruin this for you or him.”

  Staring at her coffee, she tried to focus on the good. Shade. Shade was what brought the best out of her. He did for everyone.

  “It sucks I won’t see him until tomorrow.” She sighed.

  “I remember a time you used to surprise him on road games,” Mikayla reminded her.

  This made her giggle. Any chance she could take she would hop on a plane and go to a road game with him. She loved to support him. They’d joked their pregame sexcapades would help him play better.

  Mikayla clicked off the knitting video and opened flights from Boston. “You could get on a plane and be there in about four hours. Practice would just be about over by then.”

  “Book it,” Jenessa said as she raced to the bedroom to get ready to see her husband.

  Yet again, Mikayla pulled off another traveling miracle. She drove Jenessa to the airport in just enough time for her to be one of the last people to board the plane.

  Once she landed, she debated about renting a vehicle or Uber-ing to the hotel. When she saw the line to rent a vehicle, she decided she was going to Uber. However, luck would have it, numerous cabs were unoccupied when she stepped out of the airport.

  Mikayla had already booked a room for her. All she had to do was check-in. The room was nothing spectacular, but it had a big bed.

  Grabbing her phone, she had to find out where Shade was right now. Shade had been texting her all the while she was at the airport and in the plane. She didn’t want to hint to the fact she was coming.

  Jenessa: What are you doing? How did practice go?

  He answered faster than she figured.

  Shade: Practice was good. We’re on the bus, heading to the hotel

  She smiled at the screen.

  Jenessa: Are you going to lunch with the guys?

  She figured more than likely he would have made plans.

  Shade: Nah. Going to relax a bit. What are you doing?

  She knew it would be the perfect time to answer his question.

  Jenessa: Oh, not much. I’m in room 504 at the Marriott hoping you’ll come hang out with me.

  It took a minute for him to answer.

  Shade: What? You’re here?

  Jenessa: Yep. I thought you might need a pregame workout *wink*

  Shade: I’ll be there in ten minutes. Unless I jump off this moving bus and run. Then it’ll be five minutes.

  Jenessa laughed at his text. Setting her phone to the side and reaching for the room service menu, she ordered two large chef salads. She knew he would be hungry and needed to keep his strength up.

  About fifteen minutes later, the food came to the room. She set everything on the small table and then ran to get some ice. As she came down the hall after retrieving the ice, Shade was standing outside her door.

  “Excuse me, are you waiting for someone?” she teasingly asked.

  Shade, dressed in workout gear, turned to her. A sly smirk on his face.

  “I’m waiting for my stunning wife who came to surprise me.”

  She felt the blood rush to her cheeks. “Well, she sounds wonderful.”

  “You have no idea how perfect she is.”

  His words shot right through her in the best way. Even after all they’ve been through and the way she treated him, he still loved her.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Shade

  Shade wanted to pinch himself to make sure this wasn’t a dream. Then again, if it were one, he didn’t want to wake up. He couldn’t remember being this happy. After all the pain and sadness from the past few years, he felt loved again. By the one person he wanted to be loved by the most.

  His wife.

  When she opened the hotel room door, he had to restrain himself from throwing her on the bed and burying himself inside her.

  “I ordered food for us.” She set the ice bucket down on the tiny table with two massive trays. “Do you want to eat first?”

  He couldn’t explain what happened next, even if he tried. His hormones controlled him. It was the best way to say it. Shade gripped her wrist and guided her to the bed. He never ever made the first move. Today would be an exception.

  Gripping the bottom of her hoodie, he pulled it over her head. She said nothing. Only studied his every move. Unhooking her bra, she tossed it to the side. Their eyes remained locked for several seconds. Slowly, he knelt onto his knees and pulled her jeans and underwear off as well. She stepped out of them, leaving her absolutely naked.

  He kissed in between her breasts, moving his hands up her soft skin, he cupped her breasts. His lips captured her hard nipple, gently pulling it with his teeth. Jenessa moaned, running her hands through his hair.

  “Shade.”

  Hearing his name off her lips made his cock even harder. It begged to be released behind his sweats. Kissing down her flat stomach, he pushed on her hips, making her sit on the side of the bed.

  “Lay back.” His rough tone came from all the sexual arousal in his body. He couldn’t hold it back anymore. Even though they’ve had sex twice in the past twenty-four hours, he hadn’t shown her how much he missed her.

  She did as he said.

  He placed one kiss on one hip and then another. Her legs opened for him and a moan escaped her. She knew exactly what he wanted. He licked her slit, and her body tensed up.

  “Shade.”

  Spreading her legs wider, Shade sucked on her most sensitive bud. Jenessa withered under him, calling his name and moaning. Those noises were the most beautiful sounds to his ears.

  Sliding one and then a second finger into her, her wetness drenched his hand. He began to find the rhythm he wanted. The one where she arched her back, pulled his hair and panted out his name.

  She fulfilled everyone of them.

  His mouth and fingers were soaked. He loved he could still get her off. She remained on her back trying to catch her breath. He rested back on his haunches, wiping his mouth and watching her.

  “It’s my turn.” She rose up and motioned him with her forefinger to come closer.

  Shade stood up and Jenessa smirked.

  “Take off your shirt,” she demanded.

  He did.

  Jenessa tugged down his sweats, freeing his erection, and he felt a bit of relief. Tiny bit. He ached for her touch. Now, she got down onto her knees in front of him. He couldn’t be sure his legs would keep him upright for what was about to happen next.

  As she grasped him, she kept the hold firm but without hurting him. When she began to stroke him, he let out a deep growl. Shade tried to think of anything to keep his mind off of coming too soon. He wanted to make this last as long as possible.

  She stopped stroking only long enough to lick his entire shaft. Then she placed him in her mouth, almost swallowing him. He had to hold onto her hair to remain standing. Tossing his head back her mouth picked up the pace, sliding up and down his length.

  “Jen,” he breathed out.

  Staring at her, he watched her beautiful mouth on him. Like before, his hormones took over, and he began to move deeper into her mouth. He
r jaw went slack, and he took over. Holding her head, he pushed until he knew she couldn’t take anymore. The faster he went the closer he was about to come.

  “Jen?” he growled out her name, but she knew there was more to it.

  Looking up at him, she opened her mouth as wide as she could. He knew she was silently giving him permission.

  When they first started having sex, Jenessa had come up with the idea of living out a fantasy at least once a month. She probably thought Shade was a prude because his sexual fantasies weren’t groundbreaking. The big one Jenessa enjoyed the most was about to happen…

  Right now.

  With a grunt, he felt himself coming deep into her mouth.

  They didn’t move for several seconds before he eased back and sat on the bed. Jenessa rose and went off to the bathroom to rinse her mouth. He pulled the blankets back and waited for her.

  When she strolled over to the bed, she crawled in right next to him, curling under the blankets.

  “That was fun.” She smiled.

  “I’m so glad you’re here.” He kissed her forehead. “I always loved it when you surprised me.”

  “I loved it too. Hopefully, I can do it more since I’m still unemployed,” she joked.

  He knew she hated not having a job. He didn’t worry about her not finding one. He wanted her to do something she loved.

  “Have you heard from Janan or Nova about the job?”

  “Not yet. They may have changed their mind.” She shrugged.

  “I’m certain you’ll hear from them soon.” He tried to reassure her.

  Jenessa didn’t reply, only snuggled closer. He wrapped his arms around her. This was home to him. Holding her meant the world to him.

  “Your belly’s rumbling,” she teased running her fingers on his stomach.

  “It’ll stop.” He did not care about his super mild hungry pains.

  “Come on, Shade. Let’s eat.” She moved from his hold and began getting dressed.

  He held back his disappointment, leaving the bed and sliding into his sweats. Sitting at the table, they began to talk about nothing and everything. Shade’s well-hidden elation kept him focused on her every word. She told him her flight left in the morning, and he wished there was a way she could hop on the team plane.

  After he finished the massive salad, he yawned.

  “Time for a nap,” Jenessa commented.

  “I’m good,” He lied.

  “Come on.” She stood, grabbing his hand and leading him back to the bed.

  Once his head hit the pillow, he remembered nothing else.

  Shade definitely didn’t want to wake up nor leave the comfort of Jenessa’s body pressed against his. However, he had to.

  When he walked into his hotel room which he shared with Jarvis, he was greeted by wooting and catcalling from him.

  “Someone smells like sex and happiness.” He winked.

  Shade only smirked. Giving Jarvis an inclination about what went on would only be fuel to his fire. Instead, he moved about the room to get ready.

  “Hey, in all seriousness, congrats, man,” Jarvis offered.

  He looked over at his friend. “Thank you, Jar.”

  “I guess this means you won’t be using your hand as much.” Then the real Jarvis returned.

  Shade rolled his eyes, grabbed his suit and began to get ready for their game tonight. Once dressed, he packed up his items since they would be leaving right after the game. He tried to think of a way to get Jenessa on the plane, but nothing came to mind. Janan was with the team today while Nova stayed back in New Hampshire. Maybe he could ask her. All she could say was no.

  A knock came on the door which meant the time had come for them to leave. They began to make their way out of the room and into the hallway with the rest of the team toward the bus. In the lobby, he caught a gaggle of ladies wearing Bears’ merchandise near a large fireplace. He saw Padge, who recently became engaged to Gage. Erin. Who dated Bas. Baylor, who was with Alden and Greer. Then his eyes landed on his wife. Her back was to him, but he knew it was her. Her hair sat on top of her head. Instead of it being messy, it was a smooth ponytail. Her brown hoodie had Wooten on the back, and it made him smile. Then the ladies turned to see the guys strolling through the lobby. Jenessa’s eyes found his and all he felt was love.

  They were going to be okay.

  Shade couldn’t believe this game. Glancing up at the jumbotron he felt his mouth twitching into a smile. Five to one with Bears leading, and he held two of those points. Everyone on the team seemed to be on fire.

  “This is crazy,” Edgar said next to him “You want that hat?”

  Shade nodded. “Jenessa’s here.” His short response should be enough for Edgar to understand.

  “Let’s go,” he yelled as they jumped the boards.

  When his skates touched the ice, a second wind hit him, and his body took over. He swore he could feel Jenessa’s eyes on him. He wanted to get this point for her and the win. Even he never had two hat tricks in a season, it would truly be a long shot.

  But dreams could come true.

  It felt like a slow-mo video on YouTube as the play played out in front of him. Vance passed the puck to Jarvis, who passed it to Edgar, who turned and chucked it over to Shade. He knew to be ready. Pulling his stick back, his eyes didn’t leave the puck coming toward him. As his momentum began to move forward his blade hit the puck at the perfect point. He watched it sail through the air over the left shoulder of the goalie and into the net.

  Shade threw his arms in the air as his teammates rushed him. He hugged them, slapped each other on the helmet and was completely overjoyed. He couldn’t believe it really happened. He had another hat trick.

  For Jenessa.

  The rest of the game was a complete blur. Thankfully, there hadn’t been much time left. In the locker room, everyone celebrated. Patting Shade on the back, they all congratulated their captain.

  After getting out of his pads, doing several interviews, showering, and getting into some fresh clothes, Shade and the rest of the team were ready to get on the bus.

  The excitement began to wear off when he hit the seat on the airplane. He hated that Jenessa remained there for the night, and he would be back in New Hampshire. However, the positive side of all of this, by the time she landed, he would be moved into the house.

  Suddenly, an idea popped into his head. Quickly, he pulled out his phone and texted the one person who could help him with it.

  Shade: Kay, I have a favor to ask.

  Jenessa: I’m boarding the plane. Love you!

  Shade: Can’t wait to see you. I love you too!

  Shade put his last piece of clothing into his duffle bag.

  “You think your plan is going to work?” Mikayla asked. She sat in the center of the bed.

  “Yes, as long as you do your part.”

  She tilted her head side-to-side as if she’d been thinking extremely hard.

  “Yeah, I think it will too,” she finally said, easing his mind.

  “Let’s get to the house,” he told her, zipping up the bag and tossing it over his shoulder.

  When they reached the house, he put away his stuff. With each shirt and each pant he hung in the closet, his smile couldn’t grow any larger.

  He was home.

  “I found it,” Mikayla yelled from downstairs.

  “Great,” he hollered back and jogged down to her.

  She held the manila envelope in her hand. When she handed it to him, he wanted to rip it up right then. However, it wouldn’t work in his plan.

  “I’m going to get to the airport. I’ll see you soon.” Mikayla waved as she headed out.

  Shade glanced around the house and felt at home. He only hoped his plan would work.

  Sitting at the table, Shade didn’t feel nervous at all. He only worried about what Jenessa would say. Would she think this was dumb?

  Originally, he would be drinking coffee, but since he quit drinking caffeine, he had a dec
af hot tea with lemon in front of him.

  When he saw them walk into The Latte Bean, Jenessa looked stunning in the sweater, skinny jeans, and knee-high saddle boots. He never understood how she grew more beautiful with every day that passed. Mikayla led her to the booth next to his table.

  “What’s going on?” Jenessa asked. “Why are these tables listed as reserved?”

  “Stop asking so many questions,” Mikayla groaned in frustration. “Just think where you were ten years ago and figure it out.” She literally shoved her into the booth then turned to Shade.

  “Good luck.” She waved and left them.

  “Shade, what the hell is going on?” She leaned on to him, but he ignored her.

  It was killing him not to speak to her.

  The waitress rushed over with a French vanilla cappuccino and a cherry turnover.

  “I didn’t order anything,” she told her.

  “No, but this is what you had ten years ago. Or so I’m told.” The waitress winked and rushed away.

  “Wait,” she breathed out in shock.

  Shade tried his best not to look over at her as she just figured out he was recreating their first meeting. He couldn’t help it. Glancing over to her brought him back to that moment they met.

  “Stood up?”

  Jenessa smiled at him. “Would you like to join me?”

  When she asked the same question all those years ago, he had the same reaction. He wanted to jump over the table to get to her. Instead, he calmly stood and moved over to her booth.

  “Shade, what’s going on? For real,” she inquired with a serious tone.

  “You still hate surprises, huh?” He grinned.

  “You know I do.” She pushed everything to the side.

  “You win.” He nodded and knew it was time to lay it all out on the table. Literally.

  “Since the day we met, I have been in love with you. After our first date, I wanted to marry you. Even with everything that’s happened, my heart and soul still belongs to you.” Hidden under his jacket he pulled out two large envelopes and set them on the table.