And we did.
“Why are you awake?” Valo asks as he kisses my hair.
“I just opened my eyes,” I tell him.
“Go back to sleep. I don’t have to get up for another hour.”
I turn in his arms. “An hour? I can think of something we can do to pass the time.”
Valo chuckles as I kiss down his chest.
~
The correction officer pats me down and I walk through another metal detector. Like last time, I follow the line of families into the same room where I saw Mom before. I sit at the same bench, away from the children, because no one needs to hear what I’m about to lay out to this woman.
After a few moments, the far side door opens and the inmates begin to shuffle in. Mom is one of the last ones to come in. She sits across from me and folds her hands.
“Twice in one stint, what’s up?”
I look at her. I study every line of her face and realize she looks much older than her thirty-six years. Her eyes are bright and even though her hair is flat, it’s shiny.
“Jade, what do you want?”
I blink at her a few times. “I want to say goodbye.”
“Huh?”
“I can’t have you in my life anymore while you’re on drugs and whoring around. I’m done. I’m not going to stand by your side and watch you kill yourself slowly. I’m not doing it anymore. You’re my mom and I do care about you, but I need to live my life and I’m going to do that. I have a boyfriend who loves me and wants to help me, and I’m going to let him.”
“Pfft, you’re the one who needs to realize that he’s using‒”
“No,” I cut her off. “He loves me. He’s the only person who’s ever loved me and I love him.”
Mom rolls her eyes. “What the fuck do you know about love?”
“Not a damn thing, thanks to you. However, he’s showing me what a good person I am and what I can do with my life.”
She narrows her eyes at me.
“When you want to clean yourself up, call me, but until then, don’t come near me.” I stand up. “Bye, Mom.”
I walk out with my head held high.
~
I park the truck and hop out with a bright smile on my face as I walk into Love Spa. I give the blonde my name and sit down in the lobby with several other women who are waiting. I pick up one of the magazines and listen to the conversation around me. Of course, it’s all about traveling, shopping, and whatever community services they’re working on.
“Jade!”
I turn and see Mona calling me back. I stand and follow her to her station and take my seat.
“Girl, where have you been? It feels like forever.”
I shrug. Normally, I would lie. I would’ve come up with some elaborate story about being in Europe or what not, but this time, I don’t.
“I had issues I needed to straighten out. Now, I’m back on track.”
“That’s good to hear.” She smiles at me. “So, are you still friends with Valo Manner?” She eyes me until I give her the answer she’s looking for.
“More than friends,” I smile at her.
“I knew it!” she says loudly. “I told my husband that night we saw you, that you two were way more than friends.”
I laugh. “We are.”
“You lucky girl. He seems like such a sweet guy when we go to the season ticket holders party.” She begins to work on my nails. “I guess that means I’ll see you at the game tonight?”
I nod. “Yes.” My cheeks hurt from all the smiling I’m doing. I’ve never been this happy before in my life.
~
“Finny, you home?” I call out when I get back to the condo. No one answers. I check my phone and see that he sent a text.
Valo: Your jersey is on the bed. I’ll find you during warm-ups. Love you.
I smile at the screen and race upstairs. On the bed, like he said, is my Valo jersey. Honeybun is lying up near the pillows. I sit down and rub her head.
“What a crazy life we live, huh, Honeybun?”
She meows back at me.
I sit there for another moment and then decide it’s time to get ready. As I change, I get a crazy idea. I slip into some sexier underwear and take a selfie in the long mirror in the bathroom with the caption: I need a hat trick tonight. I giggle as I hit send and finish getting ready.
When I get to the rink, I flash my new family badge and park the big truck in the parking garage reserved for players and family. I get my ticket and check my phone.
Valo: Might be difficult with a hard-on.
Me: Was I talking about points or orgasms? Let’s go with orgasms. Does that help?
I laugh as I head to the concession stand and grab a pretzel and a soda. When I take my seat, I wave at Mona and then inhale my food.
The crowd begins to cheer as the Eagles take the ice. As always, Valo is the last one on the ice and he skates around twice before stopping in front of me, shaking his head no. My shoulders are shaking from trying to hold in my laughter. He skates off to warm up.
When the game starts, my fun and playful Valo is gone, and the stone faced hockey captain makes his appearance. I love that I have both worlds. I love Valo. I cheer the Eagles almost to the point that my throat hurts. The game ends in a shootout and I am shocked that Gus’s shot wins the game. The team congratulates him and the crowd cheers. It’s nice to see them all rallying together like a family.
I’m part of a family.
I sit in the cab of the truck, with the heat on full blast. Between the rink and the freezing temps, I’m an icicle. I lean my head back on the headrest and close my eyes.
It’s not too much longer before Valo jumps in and reaches right for me and kisses me.
“You didn’t get a hat trick.” I murmur against his lips.
“I tried like hell, though.”
I laugh. “Yes you did. How many shots on goal did you have? Twenty?”
“Listen to you and all your hockey lingo. But, no it wasn’t twenty,” he chuckles. “Ready to eat.”
I kiss him hard on the lips. “Always with you.”
~
“Gus, please. Don’t make me beg,” I whine.
“Why do you want it or my help?”
“Please. It’s part of his Christmas gift.”
“Fine. I’ll do it, but if I get in trouble…”
“I promise you won’t.” I give him a quick hug. “Thank you so much.” I race upstairs to get ready. Everything has to be perfectly timed and thankfully, I worked my charm on Gus and this will work. I pack my bag and go back downstairs.
“Is it done?” My eyes are wide with excitement.
“Yes. There’s no one there because of the holiday.” He hands me the key.
“Bring Valo in thirty minutes.” I run out the door to the truck and drive to the rink.
I flash my badge to the lone security guard who’s working the rink and park the truck. I head straight to the locker room and unlock the room with the key Gus gave me. I flip on the lights and everything lights up. I follow Gus’s instructions and go toward the showers and the bathroom area.
I fix my hair and makeup the way Valo likes it. He never likes when I wear my makeup heavy and he likes my hair down with my massive curls in their own mess, hanging down my back. I change out of my clothes and slip on the game jersey I purchased. It’s really big and long and covers me.
Gus: He’s coming in now.
The butterflies flutter as I gather my items and put them back in the bag and hide until I hear the door open.
“Derek?” I hear Valo call out.
I’m barefoot and I quickly but quietly rush over to the doorway that leads into the locker room. Valo is standing there, looking at his phone.
“Derek’s not here,” I tell him with a smirk on my face.
“What…whoa.” His blue eyes search me up and down. “What are you doing here?”
“Well, my boyfriend has a fantasy and as his girlfriend, I need to fulfill it.
” I sashay over to him. “Do you like my outfit?” I hold up the condom in between my two fingers.
“Jade…I…yes, I do, but I…we can’t. Someone might come in.” He looks nervously at the door.
“Not to worry.” I walk over and lock it. “It’s Christmas Eve. No one is working but the entrance guard. It’s only you and me.”
Slowly, a smile appears on Valo’s gorgeous face once he realizes I’m right. “I do like your outfit.”
I wrap my arms around his neck. “I noticed your name is over there.” I nod over to my left.
“That’s my spot,” he winks.
“Is it?” I step back and take his hand and gently push him down. “This is going to be a little tough.” I look at the size of the bench. Then, it hits me. “I have an idea.”
Valo chuckles. “I’m sure that you do.” He takes the condom from my hand. “But we can’t take too long.”
“I promise,” I whisper in his ear, “It’ll be quick and enjoyable.”
Valo moans. I drop to my knees and unbuckle his pants. He’s already hard, and I lick my lips and engulf him. He grabs my hair and holds on tight as I work my mouth and tongue on him. His pants and whatever he’s saying in Finnish is making me want him more. When he grips my hair tighter, I know he’s close and I don’t want him to come this way, so I release him.
“What’s your plan?” he tries to catch his breath.
“Lift your hips.” He does and I yank his jeans down. “Hand me the condom.” He does and I slide it on. “Now, hang on, cowboy.” I wink as I stand and turn around.
“Oh, shit.” Valo breathes as I straddle him and glide him into me.
I throw my head back as I begin going up and down on him, slowly to get my fill of him.
“Jade, I love you in my jersey right now.”
He can’t see my face, but a smile forms as I bounce harder on him.
“Fuck.” He leans forward and pulls me closer to him.
I press my back against his chest. Valo sweeps my hair away from my neck and he nips me. I work my hips in a circular motion and then Valo reaches around to rub me.
“Valo.” It’s my turn to lose myself in him. I can feel myself building as Valo continues to rub me. “Yes.”
He whispers something in my ear and I rock harder on him. He moans and nips my neck harder. “Jade.” His voice is muffled in the crook of my neck.
The release crashes into me like a wave. I can’t stop rocking faster against him, and then he guides me forward. I’m on my knees on the floor and Valo is slamming into me as I’m still riding the wave of orgasm. Valo’s thrusts are harder and faster until his grip is almost bruising. I don’t care because I’m shaking like a leaf, and it’s more pleasure than pain.
“Jade!” he yells my name, and then collapses on my back. “Sorry.” He rolls over and keeps repeating how sorry he is.
I flip my view to him and he’s on his back trying to catch his breath. There are small beads of sweat on his forehead.
“Stop saying you’re sorry.” I’m breathing as hard as he is.
“I didn’t mean to lose control like that. I couldn’t stop myself.” His blue eyes are bright.
“Fuck that. That’s the best sex I’ve ever had. This locker room is pure magic.” I laugh as Valo bursts into laughter.
“I love you.”
“I love you, too, Finny.”
Epilogue
Valo
Jade sighs and I grin as she turns to me and smiles. “Why haven’t we traveled sooner, Valo?”
We’ve been all over my hometown for the past two days. I’ve been showing Jade where I grew up, and taking her to my favorite places. She’s been in heaven it seems. I can’t wait to see her reaction when she discovers her surprise.
“You like it?”
“I love it.” She almost seems like she wants to say more, but she doesn’t.
“So if I want to take you places more often and spend lots of money, you won’t complain or put up a fight?”
Jade smiles, shaking her head. “I’ll allow this. I’ve loved doing it too much to say no.”
She has loved it, too. She loved flying, sightseeing, eating in restaurants in a foreign country, and staying with my parents. Hell, she even loved going through customs. I may have created a traveling addict.
“Good, I’m very happy to hear that.” We have impeccable timing because I’ve just pulled up to an extravagant hotel.
“Why are we here? We’re staying at your parents.”
“We’ve been staying at my parents, yes, but we’re staying here tonight. You gave me my fantasy; I’m going to give you yours.” I grin at the memory of our time in the locker room.
Jade’s lips part in surprise. She doesn’t say anything, and I chuckle at how I may have rendered her speechless. I get out of the rental car, walk around, and open the door for her. Jade steps out, and I take her hand. A valet takes my keys and a bellhop retrieves our bags from the trunk, earning me a curious glance from Jade. She’s looking around while I check us in.
The place is spectacular. The high ceilings, large arches between rooms, and the grand stairwell leading to the second floor are definitely eye-catching. Large chandeliers hang from the ceiling and masterpieces of artwork hang on the walls. The bellhop follows us into the elevator and up to the floor our room is on.
Jade gasps when we walk in. I take our bags, tip the bellhop, and turn to see Jade walking around in awe at our suite. It’s large, spacious, and comes with a beautiful view. I go to her, wrap my arms around her waist, and pull her against my chest.
“What do you think?” I ask, placing a kiss on her shoulder.
“Valo,” she begins, her voice breaking with emotion from just saying my name.
“I want to give you anything and everything you could ever ask for, Jade. This is one of those things.” I turn her around, kissing her softly. “Go start a shower and I’ll order some room service before I join you.”
“Before you join me?” Jade smiles.
“Get your mind out of the gutter,” I mutter against her skin as I kiss along her jaw. “I’m not having sex with you.” I press my lips just below her ear. “Yet.”
She laughs, shakes her head, and heads to the bathroom. Life has been good these past few months. Jade has begun to truly trust me, and I’ve come to learn to not help so much. She can do plenty without my help, so I’ve stood back and let her. It helps keep her sane. Although, she’s learned she can ask for help, too. I nearly fell off the couch the first time she asked for my help with something.
The memory makes me smile as I scan the menu, hearing the water running in the bathroom. While we’re here, I’m going to make sure she has the most delicious food of her life, that she’s relaxed as can be, and that I pamper her. I want this to be better than she could’ve imagined.
I call room service to order a hearty meal of surf and turf, a bottle of wine, and some chocolate fudge brownie dessert with strict instructions to deliver it in an hour. On my walk to the bathroom, I remove my clothes and step into the shower to find Jade covered in suds.
“Took you long enough,” she grins.
“You’re an impatient woman,” I reply, grabbing her hips and tugging her closer to me.
“It’s not my fault. My boyfriend told me I could have anything and everything I wanted, and I want you now.”
A smile lifts my lips higher. “Today, tomorrow, and every day after that, you can have me.” I don’t know what our future holds, but the present makes it look promising.
About the Authors
Lindsay Paige is a romance author from North Carolina who has published nine books on her own. She is a huge hockey fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins and loves read. When not writing, Lindsay is focused on completing college.
Mary Smith was born in Chicago, Illinois, but currently lives in West Virginia. She is an avid reader, co-founder of Book Nerds Across America, and author of the Ice series, the Unit Matched series, Always Forever, and A Hock
ey Tutor. She goes nowhere without her cell phone or Kindle. Mary loves anything to do with Chicago Blackhawks, Patrick Sharp, and hockey related!!
Despite their love for different teams and players, Lindsay and Mary write sports romances to vicariously live through their characters and their experiences with these hot athletes. Together, they have written The Penalty Kill Trilogy and the Oh Captain, My Captain series.
Coming Soon
Lindsay Paige and Mary Smith are excited to announce their new project, coming Fall 2015. They’re venturing into a new area of sports romance with The Ninth Inning series. Join them in the fall to meet the players of the Memphis Angels baseball team.
Follow Lindsay and Mary on Facebook to stay up-to-date on their projects.
Tainted (Oh Captain, My Captain #7) Page 15