Scoring the Player

by Samantha Lind

  Once I’m up for the day, I keep myself busy with cleaning my apartment, grocery shopping, and doing laundry until it’s time to head to the airport to get Brian. Standing outside security waiting on him is torture, but the moment I see him makes it all worthwhile. I’m waiting right at the exit, not wanting to have to wait any second longer than needed to be in his arms. As soon as he reaches me, he picks me up in his arms, crushing his lips to mine.

  “God, I’ve missed you so damn much,” he says once we break apart. “How are you feeling today?”

  “So-so. Right after I get up is usually the worst time of day for me. But no vomiting now for a couple of days, so I’m calling that a win,” I tell him, as he sets me back down on my feet.

  Since he is here for such a short trip, he’s only got his carry-on bag. His equipment bag will go with the team, so we’re able to head straight for my car.

  Brian grabs my hand, linking our fingers, as we walk out of the airport. I didn’t realize until I saw him and was in his arms just how much I needed this visit, how much I really did need to see him in person. Seeing the excitement in his eyes when he swept me off my feet was the nail in the coffin, cementing how much he really loves me and wants this baby.

  We head straight home, not needing, nor wanting, to stop anywhere. We have such a short time together that neither of us wants to waste it; we just want to be together.

  Once we’re inside, Brian sets his suitcase in my bedroom and ushers me to the couch. He sits first, pulling me into his lap, and brings his hands up to cup my face.

  “I’m here to take care of you for the next thirty-six or so hours. So, tell me what you need or want.”

  “I don’t really need or want anything right now. I just want to be in your arms.”

  “That’s easy,” he says, shifting the both of us so we are lying down on the couch. I’m on my side, facing him, and he’s got one arm wrapped around my back with his hand on my hip, and the other hand resting on my lower belly, as if he’s trying to protect our baby. It’s the sweetest damn thing to see.

  “How were your flights?”

  “Just fine. I was a little concerned I was going to miss my connection due to the delay with my first one, but I lucked out and they were only a few gates away from each other.”

  “I was worried, too. I kept checking the tracking of your first one and was relieved when you texted that you were on the second one.” I run a finger over Brian’s eyebrow, along the small scar that’s formed. “Your eyebrow has healed nicely.”

  “I told you it would,” he says, squeezing me a little closer.

  We fall into a comfortable silence, both melting into each other’s embrace as we lie here. I drift off to sleep in Brian’s arms for a while and wake to the low hum of the TV. Brian has turned on his usual sports highlights while I slept.

  “Feel better?” he asks, once he notices I’ve woken up.

  “Yes, sorry about falling asleep.”

  “No reason to apologize, babe. I will take you sleeping on me any day, and you need your sleep. You are growing a human, after all,” he reminds me.

  “Why do you have to be all perfect?” I ask, poking him in the ribs.

  “My momma raised me right.” He smirks at me.

  “That she did.”

  “Are you hungry? I can make us some food, or we can order something, if you prefer,” he offers.

  “Whatever you prefer. I haven’t been eating much lately, as nothing really sounds all that appealing.”

  “I don’t want to order something that’s going to make you sick. You’re sure there’s nothing you’re craving, or really want?”

  “The only thing that sounds appealing to me right now is breakfast.”

  “Then we’ll have breakfast. I can either cook or we can go out. What would you prefer?”

  “Let’s go out. That way you can get something else if you want.”

  An hour and a half later, we’re back, full and satisfied. I was a little nervous the smells of the restaurant would set me off, but I made it through just fine, and ate more than I thought I would be able to. And it really perked me up.

  I can tell Brian is trying to be very gentle with me, but I’m only pregnant, and I’m not going to break. We settle in on the couch and turn on a movie, lying in what I’ve come to love as our normal position together. I don’t think I will ever get tired of the feeling of Brian holding me and that security he provides, that I never realized I crave.

  As the movie comes to an end, Brian lowers his face into my neck and starts to lightly kiss my neck, sucking it lightly, placing small love bites as he moves around. I bolt up, shocking him a little.

  “Is everything okay?” he asks, worried.

  “Everything is fine. I just want to move to the bed. Give you better access.” I smile at him.

  We make our way to bed, and I immediately slide into Brian’s arms, hoping that he will pick up where he left off on the couch. When he doesn’t, I decide to take matters into my own hands. I place kisses along his chest, up his neck, finally bringing my lips to his.

  “Kin, what are you doing?”

  “Trying to start things. Isn’t that what you were doing out on the couch?”

  “Not really. I didn’t think you would be feeling up for sex. Can you even have sex right now?”

  “I feel fine! And yes, I can have sex. Why wouldn’t I be able to?”

  “I didn’t want to just assume. You haven’t been feeling good lately, and I didn’t want to push you into anything.”

  “I’m not made of glass, I’m just pregnant.” I chuckle at him. “Sex is perfectly fine while knocked up, unless on bed rest or pelvic rest, and that would be something later in a pregnancy. And just think, it isn’t like you can knock me up again right now, so you can go without a condom, if you’d like.”

  “Bareback…I’ve never not worn a condom,” he stutters out. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, I’m sure, unless you don’t want to.”

  “Oh, I want to,” he says, rolling me over, and hovering above me.

  “Well, then, what are you waiting for?” I sassily ask, gazing up at him.

  “I love you, Kinley,” he says, lowering his lips to mine. He takes his time, exploring me in no rush at all.

  He continues this slow exploration, like it’s his first time seeing me. The way he strums my body is a magical ride I never want to end.

  After what feels like forever, he’s inside me with no barriers between us. With him here, inside me, I feel complete. I feel like this is where I’m meant to be forever. With him, loving him, living life together.

  The next morning, we both wake, sated from our lovemaking last night. I also wake with a crazy bout of morning sickness that has me running for the toilet, dry heaving. Brian is right at my side, holding back my hair as I hack up what little bit is left in my stomach. When I finally feel like I’m not going to die, I get myself cleaned up and ready for my appointment that’s scheduled for mid-morning.

  “Can I make you anything to eat?” Brian asks, as I come out of the bedroom. He’s already made himself some breakfast and is sitting down to eat.

  “I’ll just make myself some toast.”

  “Sit down and let me do it for you. You’re still looking a little green.”

  “It takes a bit for my stomach to settle down. I’ll be fine in a bit,” I tell him, as I take a seat at the breakfast bar next to his seat, while he gets up to make me some toast.

  “Would you like something to drink? Juice? Coffee?”

  “Maybe a small glass of juice.”

  He brings me my buttered toast and juice, kissing my temple as he sets everything down in front of me before sitting back down.

  My toast settles my stomach and we’re able to make it out the door without any more bathroom stops. After checking in with the front desk and filling out a new pregnancy packet, we’re finally called back by the nurse. After the normal vitals, and peeing in a cup, she shows us to the exam roo
m where we wait for the doctor.

  The exam goes well, and my doctor pulls out her portable ultrasound machine, so she can date the pregnancy and give us the first picture of our baby. I grab Brian’s hand, interlocking our fingers as she inserts the vaginal wand. Instantly, the screen fills and I can see the flicker of the heartbeat. Tears start leaking from the corners of my eyes. I look at Brian and his face mirrors mine; tears are escaping his eyes as he looks at the screen in astonishment.

  The doctor explains what measurements she is taking and tells us that we are approximately seven weeks along, giving us a due date around mid-November. Once she’s finished checking everything, she prints us out a couple images that we can take home with us.

  Brian is still on cloud nine when we make it back to my place. He made sure I was okay with him taking one of the ultrasound pictures with him when he leaves tomorrow, wanting to keep a piece of me and the baby with him at all times. We settle in, relaxing together for the remainder of his time here. My doctor did give me some meds to help with my morning sickness, so I’m hopeful that things will start to turn around and I’ll feel better soon.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Brian

  April

  Seeing my baby on that screen was one of the most magical and emotional experiences of my life. Kinley has been doing better over the past couple of weeks. Her morning sickness has started to go away, now that she’s further along. She’ll be entering her second trimester here soon, and we plan on telling our family and friends then.

  I can’t make it up for her next appointment, but it’s a pretty standard one, according to her, so not much for me to miss. It still irritates me some that I can’t be there in person to support her.

  We are still no closer to deciding when she’s going to move down here, but she needs to make a decision soon, so we can get her moved before she isn’t allowed to fly anymore. I know we still have a few months before that happens, but I keep bugging her to get the ball rolling.

  For now, I’ve got to stay focused on my job. The playoffs are about to start; we clinched the number one spot in our division. We’re playing St. Louis in the first round, starting on our home ice tomorrow night. Today, we’ve got a short practice and a long video session, as the coaching staff preps us for tomorrow night’s game.

  Playoff hockey is a game of its own. Do or die. Fighting for that win, to bring your team that much closer to the championship series, and hopefully end with the cup in your hands. Having won it last season, I know what it takes to get it done, and I just hope we can get there again this year.

  I make it out of the video session and notice I have a few missed texts from Kinley. The more I scroll, the harder my heart beats due to the urgent nature of them.

  Kinley: Call me ASAP

  Kinley: Brian, please call me! I know you’re in practice, but if you get this between sessions, I need to talk to you, it’s important.

  I have a few more messages, all spread out by ten to thirty minutes, basically all saying the same thing. I head straight for my truck, so I can talk to her without anyone overhearing our conversation, pressing send on my phone as soon as I’m out of the arena.

  “Kin, baby, what’s wrong?” I ask, worry filling my voice as soon as she answers the phone.

  Her crying fills the phone, causing my heart to clench in my chest. Fuck, I hate not being close, where I can just go to her. I need to hold her, help her through whatever has her so upset.

  “Kinley, I need for you to calm down, take a few deep breaths, and tell me what’s wrong, baby.”

  Her crying slows down as she follows my directions, and she’s finally able to talk.

  “I woke up in a puddle of blood this morning. I freaked out and went to the ER.” She gulps in deep breaths. “The ultrasound showed that the baby’s heart had stopped beating and I was miscarrying. Our baby is gone.” Her cries become heavy again. “Our baby is gone, Brian!”

  No, no, no, fuck. Not the baby. My heart sinks in my chest. I don’t know what to do or say to help her. I just know I have to get to her.

  “Kinley, where are you now?”

  “I’m back home.”

  “Is anyone with you?”

  “My mom ran out to the store to pick up the medicine the doctor prescribed to me. She should be back soon.”

  “That’s all I needed to hear. I just don’t want you to be alone right now, baby. I love you. Tell me what I can do?”

  “There isn’t anything you can do, Brian. I just have to let my body finish passing everything. The doctor wrote me off work for the next couple of weeks.”

  “Do you want to come down here in a few days?”

  “I don’t know, maybe.”

  Feeling helpless, I fall silent. I don’t know what to do. We hadn’t told anyone yet, as she wanted to wait, just in case something like this happened. Said she didn’t want to have to un-tell people. And now I get that, but fuck, if it isn’t going to suck calling my mom and sister, and breaking the news to them.

  “My mom just got back. I’m going to go try and take a nap. Can I call you later?”

  “Call me whenever you need to, babe. I’ll keep my phone on me at all times, so I don’t miss your call or texts. I’m sorry, Kinley. I love you, and please just tell me what I can do to help you.”

  Without answering me, she ends the call. There was something in the silence that felt like she was shutting me out, pushing me away, and that didn’t sit right with me. There is no way I will let this come between us; I won’t let her push us apart. I will fight against her, if that’s what she’s doing.

  I drop my cell into my lap, trying to figure out what in the hell I can do from thousands of miles away. The only thing I can think of is to fly out on the next flight. I need to go talk to Coach and let him know what’s going on. As much as it will fuck with the team, I can’t stay here. I need to be with her.

  I grab my cell and head back inside, straight for the offices. I stop at Laura’s desk, instead of just barging into Coach’s office.

  “Hey, Brian, what can I help you with?”

  “I need to talk to Coach. It’s kind of an emergency.”

  “Head on back, he just got up here.”

  “Thanks, Laura.”

  I head straight for Coach’s office, rapping my knuckles on the open door before I walk in, closing it behind me.

  “Brian, what can I do for you?”

  I take a seat in one of the chairs facing his desk.

  “I need to leave town in the next few hours. I’ve had a family emergency, and I need a few days to take care of it. I know it leaves you and the team in a lurch, but I need to get there.”

  “Anything the team can help you with?”

  “Not unless Laura can find me a ticket. I just found out about the emergency when I looked at my phone after we left the video room.”

  Coach hits his intercom button. “Laura, can you step into my office for a moment, please.”

  “Be right there, Coach,” she tells him and moments later, she’s walking into his office.

  “Brian has had a family emergency and needs to leave town. Can you help him book his ticket, and then we’ll need to fill out the paperwork for his leave. We can list him as a healthy scratch for the next few days, leaving it open for when he can return to the team.”

  “Not a problem,” Laura responds to Coach, then turns to me. “Where do you need to fly to, and how soon do you want to leave?”

  “The soonest flight, and to Anchorage. I need to run home and grab a bag but otherwise, I can be at the airport within an hour or so,” I tell her, digging out my credit card. “If available, a first-class seat would be preferred, but at this point, I will take what I can get. I just need to get there.”

  “I’ll see what strings I can pull and email you what I can get,” she says, taking down my credit card info.

  “I don’t care what it costs. Just get me there as fast as you can.”

  “I’m on it. You head home and
pack that bag. Hopefully by then, you will have a confirmation in your email.”

  “Thanks, Laura,” I say, as she leaves Coach’s office. I stand, reaching out to shake Coach’s hand. “Thank you. I will know more in the next day or so when I will be back.”

  “Family comes first. Go be with your family.”

  I leave Coach’s office and head back to the locker room to grab my stuff from my stall before heading home. I’m in such a daze, I almost walk right into Scott as he’s coming out.

  “Hey, where did you run off to?” he asks, stopping me in the hall.

  “Sorry, man. Kinley texted me; she had an emergency.”

  “Is she okay? I’m surprised Becca hasn’t been blowing up my phone about it. What happened?”

  Fuck, Scott and Becca don’t even know she was pregnant, and I don’t know when, or if, she’s going to tell Becca about the baby.

  “If I tell you, you can’t tell Becca. She needs to hear it from Kinley. You have to promise me, man.”

  “I promise you. What’s going on?”

  I look around to make sure no one else is around to overhear. When I see the coast is clear, I lay it all out there.

  “We were pregnant, and she miscarried today. I just talked to Coach, and I’m leaving on the next available flight to go be with her for a few days. I know it’s going to fuck with the lines and games, but I need to be with her. The way she ended our call felt like she was shutting the door on me, man, and I can’t let her do that. I love her too damn much to let her walk away from me.”

  “Fuck, I’m sorry, man. When’s your flight leave?”

  “I don’t know yet. Laura is working her magic to find me one, and will email me the info once she gets one booked.”