Protecting Her Heart: Indianapolis Eagles Series Book 4

by Samantha Lind

  “Is that so?” I ask, leaning down to kiss her.

  “Mhmm,” she says against my lips. “I want to spend every minute I can with you before you leave tomorrow for the rest of the week.”

  “I was hoping you’d say that because I want to spend every minute with you before I leave, as well,” I tell her, and then kiss her again, keeping it as PG as I can since we’re at work.

  “I’ll see you soon,” I tell her, tapping the counter in front of her desk before I turn to walk out.

  “Bye,” she calls after me as I walk out of the office with a little pep in my step. I got the girl and am high on life right now.

  Chapter Seven

  Laura

  Mark left the office and I got right to work, looking over the information the Make-A-Wish foundation emailed to me. The little boy, Brayden Macentire, is ten years old and has an inoperable brain tumor. He’s been playing hockey since he was five and been skating since he was three. His dream has always been to play in the NHL, so his one wish was to come be a part of his favorite team for the day. We have an upcoming set of back-to-back home games over a weekend two weeks from now that I think would be perfect to bring his family in for. We can have them attend the practice the day before, take in the game-day rituals, and then watch both games if their schedule allows for it. I want this family to get every possible memory out of this trip, so I’m inclined to go above and beyond just the basics of offering some free tickets. I want to make this boy and his family’s dreams come true.

  After I get all my ducks in a row for his trip, I gather my notes and head down the hall to talk everything over with Daniel. As the GM, he has final approval over anything to do with the team.

  I knock on his doorframe, alerting him to my presence.

  “Hey, Laura, come on in,” he says, waving me into his office. Daniel is like an uncle to me. He’s been my dad’s right-hand man since he started this team.

  “What do you have for me today?” he asks as I take a seat in a chair across from him.

  “I got a call from the Make-A-Wish organization with a wish request. I immediately accepted and said we’d be more than happy to help in any way we can.”

  “Good.”

  “I’ve put together a full package over three days, as long as that will work for the family. I want to make all this boy’s dreams come true on this trip,” I tell him, then go into detail with all my plans, dates, and what I want to provide for the family.

  “Everything sounds good to me. I’ll let Coach know so he can plan for it. Let me know if I can do anything once they are in town. We’ll pull out the red carpet for this family. Also, see if you can find out if this family has any outstanding medical debt from his treatments. If so, let’s arrange to pay them off for them. No family should be worried about their finances while also dealing with possibly losing a child.”

  “Absolutely. I hadn’t thought of that yet, but I’ll add it to my list of things to take care of.”

  “Everything else going okay?” he asks before I stand up.

  “Yes, things are great,” I tell him, a small smile cresting my lips.

  “Your dad tells me something is happening between you and Mark,” he states matter-of-factly.

  I nod my head, the small smile on my face turning into a full smile. “Yes, things are new between us. Seeing where things go. He makes me happy.”

  “I’m glad. He’s a good man. And as long as he treats you right, that’s all I care about.”

  “He’s been the perfect gentleman, so far. He was actually just in the office a little bit ago when I was on the call about this boy, and he wants to help in any way he can. Jumped right in and asked what he can do without me even asking him.”

  “He’s a good one. Shows his character. I’ve always had lots of respect for the guy. He’s always been involved with charity work, usually wanting to be involved anonymously. Doesn’t want to be flashy about helping,” Daniel tells me.

  “I’m glad I finally gave in to his request for a date. He’s making me believe there are good men out there still. Even with how new our relationship is, he makes me want to believe we can have a future together.”

  “It makes me happy to see you so happy. I can only imagine how delighted your parents are to see you this content after everything that you’ve been through.”

  “Dad already threatened to trade him,” I tell Daniel on a chuckle.

  “Ha! Well, he’ll have to go through me to do that, so don’t you worry your pretty little head. He’ll have to have one hell of a reason for me to agree to trade him to another team. He’s too much of an asset to us. If he continues to play like he has the last couple of seasons, he won’t be going anywhere for a very long time.”

  “Thanks, Daniel. I know my dad was just joking, but I’m glad to know you have my back,” I tell him sincerely.

  “All right, get out of here. I need to get home. Julia has all the kids coming over for dinner tonight.”

  “Have a good night with the family.”

  “I’ll see you in the morning before we head out,” he calls out before I leave his office. I walk down and into my dad’s office, taking a seat on one of the oversized chairs he has. I’ve always loved his office. I used to come in here when I was a teenager and just camp out, reading and observing him as he worked. He built this team from the ground up and I admire him for everything he’s accomplished in his life.

  “Hey, baby girl. How was your day?”

  “It was good, and yours?”

  “Good, how are things with Mark?”

  “Good, really good,” I tell him, the smile back on my lips.

  “As long as things stay that way, then I’m happy for you.”

  “Thanks, Dad,” I tell him sincerely. “Are you traveling with the team this trip?” He doesn’t always go on every road trip, but likes to make most of them.

  “Yep. I’ll be going on this trip. Mom’s coming along with me, as well. She’s going to head up to New York City after the games to meet up with some of her friends for a couple of days before she comes back.”

  “Oh, that’s right. I forgot she mentioned going on that trip when I was last at the house,” I say, as my phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out to see a text message from Mark.

  Mark: Are you leaving soon? I was thinking we could just order in, have a quiet night in before I leave tomorrow.

  * * *

  Laura: I like that plan, and yes. I’ll be leaving in just a couple minutes. Just finishing up talking to my dad.

  * * *

  Mark: Take your time. I’ll meet you at your place.

  * * *

  Laura: See you in about 15.

  “All right, get out of here,” my dad says, pulling my attention from my phone. “I’m going to guess by that look on your face, that that was Mark texting you.”

  “Yes, we’re getting dinner tonight before he leaves tomorrow.”

  “Well, have a good evening, then. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “See you then,” I tell my dad as I stand up and walk over to him. I give him a kiss on the cheek and a hug before I leave his office.

  I stop at my desk and send the reply message I drafted to the Make-A-Wish organization, letting them know everything I wanted to provide, as well as inquiring about the medical bills Daniel asked about. Once the email is sent, I shut down my computer and grab my things before leaving the office for the night.

  I make it out to the parking lot and find Mark parked next to my car. He’s leaning against his car, legs crossed at the ankles, as he looks at something on his phone. I stop where I am, and just take him in. He hasn’t noticed me yet, so I’m able to ogle him from across the parking lot for a few moments.

  He looks up and sees me, and a smile breaks out on his face. He slips his phone into his pocket and strides over to me. As soon as he’s within reach, he slips his hand around my neck, tangling his fingers into my hair and pulling me closer to him as he brings his lips to mine.<
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  “I’ve wanted to do that all day today,” he says, breaking the kiss and resting his forehead against mine. This kiss was much more passionate than the peck he gave me in the office earlier.

  “Can’t say I mind one bit,” I say, nipping at his bottom lip. “I thought you were going to meet me at my place?”

  “I was, but I couldn’t wait until then. I knew I could see you a few minutes earlier if I came here instead.”

  “Oh,” I say. This man is just one swoony moment after another. If I’m not careful, he’s going to sweep me off my feet very quickly. “Aren’t you just the sweetest.”

  He just shrugs his shoulders and gives me that megawatt smile of his, his dimples popping out that make me weak in the knees. “Only for you, Princess,” he says, kissing me again.

  “Why do you call me that?” I ask.

  “What?” he asks, a confused look on his face.

  “Princess.”

  “I guess I didn’t even realize I was calling you that. Just came natural to me. I’m here to be your Prince Charming, so it’s only natural you’d be my Princess,” he says, winking at me and pulling me in for another quick kiss.

  “You sure are a charmer, you know that?” I rhetorically ask him. “What do you want for dinner?”

  “You,” he says, a smoldering look on his face.

  I smack him in the chest. “I’m serious,” I say, laughing.

  “So am I,” he deadpans. Wrapping both arms around me now, he moves a half step closer to me and brings us flush against each other. I don’t miss the bulge in his jeans pressing into my belly.

  “That comes after dinner. We need food to give us energy to make it to that point of the evening,” I remind him.

  “Well, in that case,” he says, nipping at my jawline, “I’m good with whatever takeout you want.”

  “Sushi?” I suggest.

  He grimaces at my suggestion and I laugh. “Okay, no sushi. Chinese, Mexican, pasta?” I offer instead.

  “I could go for some tacos.”

  “Okay, tacos it is, then,” I say, kissing his cheek. “Since we’re both out, do you want to stop somewhere on the way back to my place, or are you still set on calling in a delivery order once we’re there?”

  “Whatever you want to do,” he replies.

  “There’s this little hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant down the street from my neighborhood. They have the best tacos and guacamole I’ve ever eaten. Let’s stop there on the way and take the food back to my place.”

  “Sounds good, I’ll follow you,” he says, slipping his hand into mine as we walk across the parking lot to our cars.

  We drive straight to the restaurant and quickly order our food. This place knows me by name, as I stop in here pretty frequently. I order my usual: Taco carne asada, chips with salsa, and a side of their guacamole. Mark orders one of their big plate specials that has an assortment of their tacos, along with a side of rice and beans.

  In under ten minutes, our order has been filled, and we’re out the door and driving the few blocks to my place.

  We set up in the living room, our food spread out on the coffee table in front of us. We both plop down on the floor side by side as we dig in.

  “Holy shit, you weren’t kidding when you said this place has the best tacos in town,” Mark says between bites, groaning with each one. “How have I never heard of this place?”

  “Like I said, they are a pretty hole-in-the-wall place. I found them when I bought this place, and have eaten my weight a couple times over in their food since I’ve lived here. I stop at least once a week for takeout from them.”

  “I could eat there daily if everything on the menu is as good as these are.” He points down to his assortment of tacos.

  “I don’t change up my order much, but everything I’ve tried has always been amazing.”

  We fall into a comfortable silence as we both finish up our food. I turned on the TV when we sat down to eat, finding a game for us to watch.

  “We don’t have to watch this for my benefit if you’d rather watch something else,” Mark says when he finishes.

  “I don’t mind,” I tell him, leaning over to kiss his cheek. “You have to remember that hockey is just as big of a part of my life as it is yours. If you weren’t here eating with me, I’d probably be doing the exact same thing as we are now. Eating tacos and watching the game.”

  He slips his arm around me, pulling me a little closer to him. “You amaze me, you know that?” he says, swooping in to kiss me hard.

  “Why, because I love hockey?”

  “Well, that helps, but no. Just your resilience, your outlook on life. You’ve been through so much, yet every time I’ve seen you over the years, you always have a smile on your face and are ready to help anyone you come into contact with. I’ll never forget how kind you were to me the day I arrived here in Indy. You were willing to do anything you could to help me in my transition to a new team and town, and I’ve seen the same thing with any new guy that has come onto the team since. Listening to you talk to that lady today on the phone, offering up things without blinking an eye.”

  “Just doing my job,” I tell him, downplaying his praise.

  “You go above and beyond what anyone I’ve come across within a team’s office does for the new guys. Why do you think so many players get here and don’t want to leave this team? This team is more of a family than any other team I’ve played for. Everyone wants the best for each other. We’ve all got each other’s backs, no matter what.”

  “I’m glad you guys feel that way. My dad always wanted the team to be a family. It makes trades that much harder to deal with. Feels like we’re sending one of our family members away.”

  “I’m sure it does. But he’s accomplished a good thing here.”

  I stand up, grabbing our trash and taking it into the kitchen to toss out. Mark follows me into the kitchen with what I couldn’t carry, helping me finish cleaning up from our dinner.

  As I refill our glasses of water at the sink, Mark steps up behind me, pressing his body against mine. His arms come up on either side of me, effectively trapping me between his rock-hard body and the counter. His chin moves my hair out of the way as his lips find the crook of my neck, where he starts dropping open-mouthed kisses. His assault on my neck has me almost dropping the glass in my hands as my body revs up and the need builds in my core.

  I set the glass down as gently as I can with Mark pressing into me and his lips on my skin. Once it’s safely on the counter, I turn in his arms and he moves his lips to kiss down the column of my neck, stopping to nibble along my collarbone before he bends his knees and kisses into the valley between my breasts. His hands come to my sides as he slips his fingers beneath the hem of my shirt, pressing his fingertips into my skin just above the waistline of my jeans. He hovers there for a few moments before dragging his hands ever so lightly up my torso, bringing my top up with them. The lightness of his fingers trailing up my sides has me squirming beneath his touch. It electrifies me and has my skin breaking out in goose bumps all over.

  When he reaches the sides of my breasts, he stops kissing my skin and stands back up to his full height. The look in his eyes has my knees weak once again. With my shirt halfway up my torso, still in his grasp, and his thumbs rubbing at my nipples over my bra, I’m about to come unglued.

  I raise my arms up, giving him my silent permission to take my top off the rest of the way. He complies and pulls it up and over my head before his hands drop back down, resting on my bare skin.

  “Let’s take this to the bedroom. I have plans that include a bed,” he says, nipping at my jaw. The huskiness of his voice turns me on and sends shivers down my body, straight to my core.

  With the promises I see in this man’s eyes, I’d follow him anywhere, at this point.

  We make it into the bedroom and Mark leads me over to the side of my bed. He cups my cheek and brings his lips to mine. I’m expecting a demanding, searing kiss, but he surprises
me when he gently lays his lips against my own. The kiss is sensual, caring, and leaves me wanting more, but also promises he has so much more in store for me tonight.

  He drags his lips down my neck, nibbling as he goes. He brings his lips back up to my ear, sucking my lobe in between his teeth, sending shivers down my body.

  “Tonight is all about you. I’m going to worship your body. I plan to kiss every inch of skin I can get my lips on. I’m going to make you come so hard, and as many times as I can, that you won’t remember your own name until I return next week. You’re not going to question who owns this body of yours or who can give you the most intense pleasure you’ve ever experienced.”

  His words are like a balm to my broken heart. I can feel the cracks filling in with each word he says. Knowing my pleasure is his main priority says something about him. Shows he’s a man not just out for himself. I’ve experienced that one too many times with Robert, and I’m at a point in my life that I’m not willing to settle anymore when it comes to a significant other. We each need to be equals in this relationship, and Mark is showing me that’s what we are. That his pleasure comes from seeing me gain my own, and I feel the same way toward him.

  Mark’s hand drops to the clasp of my bra and pinches it open one-handed. As soon as the clasp is open, the straps of my bra fall from my shoulders and down my arms. I shake slightly to allow them to fall completely down and off. I toss my bra behind Mark, onto the floor, and he brings his hands to cup both of my breasts, rolling my nipples between his fingers.

  “You’re so goddamn beautiful,” he says before kissing me hard.

  I bring my hands to his chest, pulling his shirt up and exposing his abs. I push against his chest, so he’ll back up and remove his shirt for me.

  He gets the message without me saying anything and he does that oh-so-sexy move where he grabs the back of his shirt just behind his head and pulls it off one-handed. His muscles ripple as he does, and my mouth waters as my core tightens and throbs.