by Kat Mizera
“Honey, I don’t have a condom with me.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m on the pill and we’re married.”
He hesitated. “I’m clean and I’m sure you are too, but don’t you think we’d be better off going and getting checked out first, together? So there’s never a question of trust?”
“Do you trust me?”
“Of course.”
“Then shut up and make love to your wife.”
A slow, mischievous grin spread across his face. “You have no idea how badly I want to do that.” He slid his hands back to cup the cheeks of her ass, holding them as perfectly as he’d held her breasts. He lifted her just enough to give him room to free his throbbing hard-on and then set her back down again.
“How often do you go braless?” he whispered, pressing his face between the sweet round mounds and licking his way up her chest.
“Uh, not that often…” she breathed, distracted by his touch, how good it felt and how much more she wanted from him.
“I don’t think you should ever wear one when we’re alone,” he said, blowing on one berry-like nipple and watching it harden without even touching her. “God, I’ve been dreaming about having these in my mouth again.” He sucked it between his supple lips and glanced up to watch her head fall back and her lips part with expectation. She brought her bare torso up against his chest, his mouth working her breasts with delicate strokes and gentle sucking that made her cry out.
“Garrett…please!”
“Not yet, baby.” He sat back a little and unbuttoned his shirt. “I need to be skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth, heart-to-heart. When we’re close enough for me to feel the blood running through your veins, that’s when you’ll have me.”
The moment their bodies came into contact, every inch of her chest and abdomen pressed against his, electric pleasure shot through him with so much force he had to find her mouth for fear he would explode with desire. It was sharp, but so distinctly related to the way it felt when the touch was hers, he was partially paralyzed with the need to feel everything at once. He couldn’t control the way his tongue sought hers and the purr that escaped her throat almost undid him. Her mouth was simply perfect, just as he remembered it, but even better because now it was his. Completely, legally, 100% his. Just as she’d promised.
“Please, please, please,” she whispered, moaning against his mouth. “Later, tonight, we’ll go slow… Right now I need all of you, every inch, deep inside me… Garrett.”
He reached between her legs and couldn’t describe the pleasure it brought him to find the lace barrier provided by her thong completely soaked. She was so wet, so ready, but he needed her to beg just a little longer. Every time she said please he got so hard it hurt, but this kind of pain only made him want more. Nudging aside the strip of fabric, he used his finger to circle the throbbing little nub, watching her face as she got more and more flushed, closer to the edge. She was so beautiful when she got off, he wanted to see her do it over and over and over, but right now he would settle for just once. He could feel her struggling not to let go, to wait for him to be inside her and he slowed down a little, keeping the pressure light as he caressed her. He knew the moment he found her pleasure spot because she whimpered, fingers digging into his shoulders.
“Please, oh God, Garrett, please!”
He swiveled his hips and tilted his pelvis, positioning himself right where she wanted him. “All yours, baby.” He rested his hands on her beautifully curved backside and she looked at him through hooded eyes, her lashes longer than ever as she glanced down to where their bodies were about to join. She lifted her eyes back to his as she sank down, slowly, deliciously, pulling her lower lip between her teeth as she took him, letting him fill her, until there was no space between them anywhere. Not where she was rocking back and forth, not where their lips fused together, and definitely not where their heartbeats were hammering in almost perfect unison. He loved the way she made love, passionately, hungrily, giving her all. He could feel every twitch, every pulse, every time she tightened around him…and he didn’t think he’d ever get enough.
His hands were warm and rough as he started guiding their rhythm, holding her firmly by the hips. Her lips parted now, sultry and pouty and thoroughly kissed. She was panting as he thrust up and in, deeper and harder, until tiny mewls of pleasure escaped. He couldn’t help himself, couldn’t stop the tightening that made everything more acute, more intense and, dear God, delirium took him when he watched her lose control. His own climax hit just as hers was beginning to fade and he kept her with him, bringing her back up and over the edge multiple times, until she was too limp to move, to breathe, to do anything but hold on. She’d given him absolutely everything, leaving herself raw and emotionally barren, and a tiny shudder ripped through her that left him worried about her.
“I-I love you, Garrett,” she managed to whisper, collapsing against him looking as vulnerable as anyone he’d ever known.
“I love you too, baby.” He kept his arms around her, holding her tight, watching myriad emotions flit across her sweet features. He recognized passion, excitement and a twinge of apprehension as well. She’d had five whole days to fall in love with him and become completely immersed in his crazy life, but this was only the second time he’d made love to her. She was undoubtedly having a few second thoughts and maybe a lot of insecurity, but he wasn’t going to let her do that to herself—or to them. She’d put her faith in him and he wasn’t going to risk losing it now that she was truly his.
“I’ve got you, Maddie.” He stroked her hair and whispered soft endearments in her ear, until he felt the tension begin to fade. “I feel you pulling away, but I’m not going anywhere.”
“Why am I so scared?” she whispered, burying her face in his shoulder.
“Because you just entrusted your soul to someone else.”
“Then why aren’t you scared?” She raised her head to look at him. “Didn’t you do the same thing?”
He nodded slowly. “Honey, I gave you my soul the night you told me I was yours. I was terrified—why do you think I ran first chance I got?”
Her mouth formed an O as understanding dawned and everything clicked into place.
“But you’re not going anywhere, Mrs. Hawkins. You’re going to sit right here in my arms until you’re not afraid anymore.”
She closed her eyes and snuggled closer. “Promise?”
“Promise.”
Chapter 11
Maddie woke up completely wrapped up in her husband. Sun was peeking through the shades and she could see sheets and blankets in a tangled mess at the foot of the bed, one of the lamps overturned on the nightstand, three empty wine bottles on the dresser and one of Garrett’s ties still wrapped around the headboard. She felt her cheeks get warm as she thought about everything they’d done last night—how many times he’d made love to her, in positions she’d never even imagined, again and again until she no longer remembered to be afraid, to second-guess the leap of faith she’d taken, or to doubt the momentous decision they’d made just 18 hours ago.
She’d just unwound her legs from his and was sliding to the ground when firm fingers grasped her ankle. “I told you yesterday, you’re not going anywhere,” he growled sleepily.
She leaned over to kiss his lips and run her fingers through his hair. “I need to use the bathroom and find food—I never got any dinner last night.”
He opened one eye as he pulled her astride him, his hands gripping her waist. “I thought I fed you pretty well last night.”
She giggled. “Different kind of satisfaction.”
“Were you satisfied?”
She rolled her eyes. “Yes, Hawk, I was very satisfied.”
His eyes narrowed. “I don’t think I like you calling me Hawk.”
“You liked it last night…” She wiggled her eyebrows.
“We might have to talk about that.”
She laughed. “Fine, but I really have to go to the bathroom.”
“Where did that come from?” she asked, moving up behind him to see what was in it.
“Someone delivered it early this morning.”
“They came in while we were…” Her voice squeaked a little as it faded.
“They came in while we were sleeping,” he chuckled, kissing the tip of her nose. “It’s almost 11:00, sweetheart.”
“Oh my God! We’re going to miss our flight!” She started heading towards the bedroom but Garrett reached out to haul her back against him.
“Honey, we’re not going anywhere today. This is our honeymoon, and it’s going to be a short one because no matter what happens, I’ve got to be at practice in Ottawa on Tuesday.”
Her face paled a little and she blinked up at him. “But, I mean, what about me? Where will I be?”
He’d been hoping he’d loved the indecision out of her last night, but apparently a few remnants still remained. That was partially his fault, because they’d done everything so quickly and still didn’t have a plan, but he’d take care of that today.
“Relax.” He pulled her closer to him. She reached up to wrap her arms around his neck and he pressed light kisses along her collarbone. “I thought you weren’t scared anymore?”
“I wasn’t, but maybe I still am…a little.”
“How about we have some breakfast and talk? We can make the decisions we absolutely have to make and make notes about the ones coming up. As far as where you’ll be on Tuesday, that’s entirely up to you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you’re supposed to go back to work on Monday, but as far as I’m concerned, you should quit and come to Ottawa with me. I want you with me now, tomorrow, next week…forever.”
“I, um, I can’t just not go back to my job,” she said slowly. “We’re in the middle of two really big cases and I’d need to get someone up to speed. And I can’t walk out on Angelique… She can’t pay the rent on her own. We have to give 30 days’ notice to the leasing company and—”
He put two fingers over her lips. “Coffee first.”
She smiled, kissing his fingers. “Deal.”
They ate breakfast, enjoying the variety of muffins, breads and Danish pastries that came in the basket sent by the Walkers—the note had been at the bottom—followed by a shower that turned into another round of passionate, sexy lovemaking. Then they planned to spend the rest of the afternoon on the couch, talking about everything that needed to be settled sooner rather than later.
“Oh, no!” she cried, suddenly sitting up.
“What’s wrong?” He looked at her in confusion.
“I have to tell my family!”
“I guess we could drive out to Kingston on the way to Ottawa,” he said. “I’d like to be with you when you tell them.” They’d already decided she would take a few more days off so she could go to Ottawa with him on Monday when they arrived, and be there for his first day back on the ice. She’d drive back to Toronto on Wednesday and work the rest of the week. He’d be leaving on a road trip on Friday morning anyway, so she wouldn’t see him until he returned the following weekend.
That was as far as they’d gotten when someone knocked on the door. Garrett got up to answer it and was surprised to see Clay standing there holding a garment bag.
“What’s this?” Garrett asked, frowning.
“It’s a gift from Lacey and me,” he responded, referring to his wife. “You guys got married yesterday and we never saw you, so we planned a special private dinner celebration for you tonight on the beach. Lacey knew Maddie wouldn’t have anything to wear so she picked this up for her, as well as something for you. We think you’ll like them, but if they don’t fit, just let us know.”
“Thank you.” Garrett shook his hand. “This means a lot.”
“I’ll send someone with a golf cart at 6:00 so Maddie doesn’t have to walk in heels.”
Garrett shut the door and turned to his wife with a grin. “Looks like we’re having a romantic post-wedding dinner.”
“I have to wear clothes?” she pouted.
He chuckled. “Just for a little while. I’ll have you naked again before you know it. Hell, you can get naked again now…” He reached for the belt of her robe.
Promptly at 6:00 a golf cart pulled up to the house and Garrett and Maddie walked out hand in hand. She wore a sleeveless white sundress that showed off her shapely shoulders and had a swirling asymmetrical skirt that showed off her long, tan legs. High-heeled white sandals adorned her feet and she’d tucked one of the white roses he’d brought her yesterday behind her left ear, securing it with a small clip.
Garrett looked a little more casual in beige linen pants and a short-sleeved white button-down shirt that was untucked. He had boat shoes on his feet with no socks and she’d talked him into leaving his hair natural, so instead of slicked back into his normal mohawk it fell to one side over his right eyebrow. He looked like a modern-day pirate and she giggled at the thought as they rode towards Barefoot Bay. He nudged her, squeezing her hand as they pulled to a stop just before the beach. The sun was already low in the sky, almost gone, and they could see a tent set up with twinkling white lights.
“Hey, guys.” Willow approached them with a smile. “We have a surprise for you… This was actually set up by your—” Her voice was drowned out by Maddie’s shriek of delight.
“Jamie!” She kicked off her heels and ran across the little bridge leading to the sand, throwing herself in his arms.
“Hi, honey.” He hugged her tightly, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around.
“What are you doing here?!”
“Hawk and I talked yesterday. Are you okay? Are you happy?”
“Yes.” Her eyes danced as she glanced back at her husband.
“You can’t get married without a party, so I called up here and planned a little something for the two of you. I hope you don’t mind?”
She shook her head, feeling a swell of emotion. “Thank you. I’m so happy you’re here! Did Viggo come?”
“Of course.” He turned and whistled, his burly red-headed husband coming out of the tent and joining them.
“Hi!” Maddie ran to hug him and he scooped her up and spun her around as well.
“Hello, love.” He bent to kiss her cheek.
Garrett approached Viggo, holding out his hand. “Garrett Hawkins. I don’t think we’ve crossed paths off the ice.”
Viggo shook his head. “I don’t think so either.”
“Honey, this is my brother-in-law, Viggo, and you know Jamie already.” Maddie took her husband’s arm.
“Welcome to the family.” Jamie met Garrett’s eyes meaningfully.
“Can I come out now?” someone else called out.
“Dwight?!” Maddie shrieked again, running back into the sand to greet her other brother.
“You’ve made her day,” Garrett smiled, watching her.
“Wait till she sees our parents,” Jamie chuckled.
A moment later more laughter came from the tent as Maddie was reunited with her family.
“So…what did you and Maddie decide?” Jamie asked Hawk carefully, hands in his pockets as he faced his ex-teammate.
Hawk sighed but didn’t look away. “She wants me to come clean.”
Jamie nodded. “How do you feel about that?”
“No one in the NHL will want me in their locker room,” he said finally, looking away. “But she’s worth it. She knows the money will probably dry up at the end of the season if I do this and she doesn’t care.”
“Maddie’s not a gold-digger.”
“I know.”
“Sometimes things have a way of working out,” Viggo said, smiling as he and Jamie headed back towards the tent.
It took nearly an hour to get through introductions to Maddie’s family, her
best friend, Angelique, and a handful of friends who happened to live in nearby Sarasota. Then they had a magnificent dinner while Garrett answered what felt like a thousand questions from everyone about what they were going to do, where they were going to live, what was going to happen next. He didn’t mind—it was kind of fun—but it felt a little overwhelming too. He’d been putting on a strong front because she needed him to, but part of him was just as scared as she was. He didn’t believe they’d made a mistake, but they definitely had a rough road ahead of them. He wasn’t naïve enough to believe love could conquer everything, even though it came pretty close, but there would be tough days ahead. If and when his NHL career ended, he was going to lose a part of himself too, and he hoped Maddie would understand he’d need time to mourn.
Staring at her across the room where she was now sitting and laughing with Angelique and her mother, he couldn’t help but smile; he loved seeing her happy. She’d been right about her family too—they’d accepted him with open arms. No one had asked any uncomfortable questions except the usual silliness about when they were having kids, and the homophobic slur incident never came up. He wondered if that had been Jamie’s doing or if they were giving him a break because this was their wedding celebration.
“Excuse me.” Jamie stood up clinking a spoon on his wine glass. “I have a toast for the happy couple.”
A waiter carried in a small wedding cake and another walked around refilling wine and champagne glasses.
“A few days ago I got a call from my sister. She sounded a little weird and blurted out that she needed to borrow money. To buy a bike. So she could train for a triathlon.” He paused as several people turned to stare at Maddie. “Now, in case you didn’t know, Maddie and I are close. Mom and Dad could barely wait six weeks after I was born to get knocked up again and Maddie came along about ten and a half months after me!”
“Jamie!” His mother threw a napkin at him, but she was laughing.
“So Maddie and I are almost twins—we look alike, we’re built alike, and we’re both really athletic. Somewhere along the way… I became the big hockey star and Maddie went to college. I was so wrapped up in my career that I kind of forgot that one of the reasons I have such an accurate shot is because she and I used to practice that. Together. Before school. After school. On weekends.