by Lane Martin
“I know how proud you are of me. You tell me all the time. That’s not why I’m crying.” Eden turned around and straddled me.
I was confused and horny. I thought I understood women. Well, this woman, at least. Did I mention we were both naked? “No?” I asked as I tried to focus on her gorgeous tear-streaked face and not her amazing tits or my rock-hard dick as she hovered just out of his very long reach. It wasn’t easy for either of us—me or my dick.
“No.” She sank down on my cock, eliciting a contented sigh from all of us: me, my dick and Eden. The woman of my dreams smiled at me before rocking her hips and leaning forward to plant a kiss on my lips. I groaned at the pleasure the woman who was once forbidden fruit gave me as she rocked into me. Eden had tempted me the first time I ever saw her and every single time since. Eden Snow, the girl who woke me from my nightmare and made all my dreams come true when she faced her worst fears and conquered them to prove she was willing to do anything for me.
Eden placed her hands on either side of my face and looked deep into my eyes. “I’m crying because you wrote that you wished you could be with me today.”
Jesus, having her look at me with so much love in her eyes while she was fully seated on my cock, not moving, was pure torture. But more than I wanted her to move, I needed her to tell me what was in her heart. “It’s true.” I sighed as she rocked her hips again and brought her forehead to mine.
“I’m crying because I love the way you love me, Rhett Crawford.” She rolled her hips and tightened her muscles around me. “Today you are the starting goalie in a game that could define your career. And you’d rather be in a stadium filled with strangers, looking for me in a crowd of hundreds in matching robes, waiting for them to call my name instead of listening to the crowd chanting yours.”
“I would,” I confirmed without a moment of hesitation. She continued to move slowly. Our gazes stayed locked on each other.
“I know. And that’s why I’m crying. I never thought anyone would love me like you do, Rhett. I never thought I deserved it.” I couldn’t take it anymore. I flipped us both over and kissed away the fresh tears that ran down her face before I slid inside of her as far as I could go.
“Tell me that you know,” I pleaded. She had to, and if she didn’t yet, I would spend the rest of eternity proving it to her.
“You and your love for me are the strongest kind of magic, Rhett.” Thank fuck. “And not only am I protected by your love; I am made better by it.” I crashed my lips against hers and finished making love to the woman who had left a mark on my heart. Just like my brother had promised me, it was more powerful than anything else I had ever known.
“For a minute I thought you didn’t like your present,” I teased Eden as she lay across my chest, tracing lazy patterns on my pecs while I ran my fingers through her tousled hair.
“First class tickets to Hawaii?” The tickets were inside the card I gave her. “Who wouldn’t like those? I can’t wait.” The tickets were for July. So, no matter what happened with the Miners’ quest to win the Stanley Cup, our trip would not be interrupted. What she didn’t know was that we wouldn’t be alone on that trip, and if I had things my way, we would be returning from paradise as Mr. and Mrs. Crawford.
If you want more of the Mile High Miners, you’re in luck. Danielle Wright has been busy writing Niko and Letitia’s book Off Sides.
Niko
Getting back to my house, I feel the empty space surround me. For a long time, I enjoyed the empty space of my first apartment. The quiet. It brought me some peace and it took me so long to find it, I learned to appreciate it. Then when I got drafted by the Miners man, that was a dream come true, playing for my hometown team. I bought this house as soon as I could. A place that was all mine. Not having to share a room with 6 other boys, or a bathroom with a dozen of us fighting for it’s use. Nope this was all mine, I have a three-bedroom, three-bathroom house all mine, which includes the master suite with a bathroom I never have to share again if I so choose. When I heard my new teammate Rhett Crawford, needed a place to stay, I told him he could crash at my place. He’s a good guy, kind of lost in his head sometimes, but he’s cool to have around.
I know that sometimes I can come off like an immature asshole, but that’s not really me. Ok I guess it is to a point. I’ve learned not to take life too seriously. It’s not a good idea, and you have to look at the good around you. Even in the worst of hell, there can be a little ray of good to get you through. I really didn’t mean to sound like an ass when I was talking about Eden tonight. I mean she’s hot, totally smokin’ hot, but I mean absolutely no disrespect. I thought it was just guy talk, but I learned differently when Devin had me pinned against the wall. The girls are family to them, he and Barrett and they don’t tolerate disrespect. I get it, I feel the same, I was just messing with Rhett because I knew that Rhett had a thing for her, that’s been clear for a while, but I had no idea it went deeper. He never said anything, which is kind of annoying, I thought we were buddies, but whatever. He’s with his girl tonight, both Barrett and Devin have their girls to keep them company. I’m not jealous, I can entertain the bunnies, play the field or ice. I’m not looking for permanent. Not sure I would even know how to do that. Permanence has never been an aspect in my life, well maybe a few aspects were a permanent constant, but not anymore. I changed that, got away, found my space. So here I am, alone with my space, the quiet, the empty, and half a bottle of Jose to keep me company. This is what I want. No really it is. I tell myself as I down a hearty swig of tequila.
Coach was pissed when I showed up hung over, so as my punishment, I was sentenced to working with Kassie’s foundation. Apparently it was something that Devin was passionate about doing, and Kassie brought it to life. Of course Barrett and Adelaide are part of it, Eden and Rhett too. It’s a good program for the local youth, provides hockey skill camps, team placements, tutoring and ‘big brother’ type program. I actually wanted to volunteer and I hope I can stay after my ‘sentence’ is over with.
“Hey lovely ladies. How are you all today?” I grin widely at them all and leave a kiss on each of their cheeks. These ladies are all sweet, and good women. Their men are lucky bastards for having them. Even if Eden is fighting it, she belongs to Rhett.
“Niko! I’m so glad you are here; I know this is punishment for you, but I hope you have fun helping out.”
“I’m sure I will. I wanted to volunteer anyway, and I’m hoping I can stay.”
“That would be fantastic! Where do you want to help? Anything specific?”
“Put me anywhere you need me beautiful, I’m at your disposal.” I grin at her. She knows I’m just teasing her, no way would I want to bring down the wrath of Devin by trying to make a move on his girl.
“Such a charmer.” She laughs. “How do you feel about running an intermediate skills session? The kids are about 12-13 years old.”
“Sounds perfect, thanks Kassie.” I smile at her and head to the locker room to put on some practice gear.
It’s the end of my first week with the Little Miners, and I’ve had a great time this week. These kids are hilarious but also seriously good. Matt and Tyler are fast, have great aim and quick shots. Garrison is a great goalie, and Brad and Cole are slick and smooth able to get up behind to steal the puck or slide in front to help block a shot. These kids would make a great line. Out of all of them, I find myself befriending Matt a little more. There is just something about this kid I can relate to. He’s focused, respectful, determined to work hard.
I listen to him and Tyler chat about practicing some of the drills we’ve been working on.
“My sister helps me practice when she can, but she has to work a lot, so there isn’t always time.’
“Your sister plays hockey?” Tyler asks in shock.
“Yeah, kinda. She tries but she not very good. But I’m lucky that she helps. She’s cool.” Matt smiles at his buddy.
The thought of his sister helping him practice brings a sm
ile to my face. A woman who plays hockey. That’s my kind of girl, and I need to meet her. I put my equipment in the team bench area, and then turn to watch the kids leave with their parents. Matt is talking with the most stunning woman I have ever seen. She’s got her dark brown hair pulled up. She’s wearing a pair of tight dark blue jeans, with a dark green long sleeve top which looks amazing against the darker tone of her skin. She looks a little like Selena Gomez. She’s too young to be him mom, so that has to be the Hockey playing sister. Yeah I totally need to meet her.
Where do I begin? So much has changed this year. Let’s start with the good. I’ve been on a journey to get healthier since February 2018. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. I’ve lost over one hundred pounds so far and in 2019, have walked over 1,700 miles. I’m not telling you this to toot my own horn. I’m telling you because I want you to know that if it is on your heart, you can do it too. It all begins with the first step. All you need to do is take it! If you need some encouragement, hit me up!
This year through a DNA match, I learned I had another sister. Talk about a shock. Our Dad and my sister never knew about each other. It threw us all for a loop, but in the best way possible. Sisters are the best! Not only did we get Brenda in the deal, but we got her sister Donna too. It’s funny how similar we are. It’s like we’ve always known each other. I’m so glad to have them in my life.
Sadly, not everything has been great this year. You may have noticed the dedication to my nephew, Jordan. Tragically he died in October at the age of 27. I still can’t believe it. Sometimes it still feels like a bad dream. I can’t begin to imagine how my sister and niece feel. Jordan left a mark on all of those who loved him, and we will never forget him. Sorry, I should have put in a Kleenex warning. Do me a favor; don’t wait to tell someone you love them. Do it now, because tomorrow isn’t promised.
Okay, now that your back I have some people to thank.
Trudy Dowling, you are a gem. The book world is lucky to have you, and I am blessed to have you as a reader! My wish for you, nothing but five-star reads! You deserve them! Thank you for being a fantastic human being. We need more people like you in this world!
Laura, you are a red pen ninja, not a princess. I’m not going to sugar coat this; you really had me wondering if Scoring Chance was ever going to be published when I got my edits back. Hell, I questioned if I should ever write anything again, but in the end, I know you were just trying to make it better, and you did. I actually learned a lot, and I hope I will be a better writer going forward. Working with you was a challenge I needed. My fingers are crossed that you haven’t blocked my e-mail address for the next one.
Rebecca and Tiffany, thank you for making my book look great inside and out! You are both fantastic to work with. You get the Lane Martin endorsement stamp.
Wendy and Danielle, I couldn’t do this without you, and I have the screenshots to prove it! I’m so blessed to have you in my life and in my corner. I can never thank you enough for everything you do. I hope you know I’ve got your back when you need me. I love you both!
Last but not least, I need to thank my husband. Thank you for your unending support. I know you don’t plan our vacations around book signings for the tax write off. You do it because you love me. Thank you! I love you too.
If you read to this point, I should thank you too. I couldn’t do any of this without you, the reader. Always remember, you are enough! – Lane
Being a writer never crossed my mind as something I would do. I was a working wife and mother, but in June of 2012 that all changed when my sister bought me a little book by E.L. James for my birthday. I couldn’t get enough of the series, and that’s when I found out about Fanfiction. I decided to give it a whirl and rediscovered a part of myself I had long since forgotten. With the encouragement of my Fanfiction readers and the support of my family, I decided to write something of my own. I guess you can say the rest is history. I currently live in Northern California with my husband of over twenty-five years and my son, while my daughter attends college in Washington, DC. I love reading, cardio drumming, and spending time with my family. I look forward to traveling to new places for signings and trying out restaurants that have been seen on Food Network. Thank you for joining me on this crazy ride.
A Recipe for Love Series
Floured
Sifted
Mixed
Tossed
Mile High Miners
Even Strength
Also included in
Shaded with Love Volume 5
Cooking with Love: Shaded with Love Volume 6