Wild Love (Campus Nights Book 4)
Page 26
I pinch him, and he laughs. “Kidding. Though, maybe we could do some role-playing because the visual that just gave me was pretty spectacular.”
He holds me, and I stare down at the new ink. I still can’t believe this man tattooed my name on his body.
“I’m always going to support your dreams. Hopefully, some of them are naked dreams, but I digress. My contract is two years. After that, we’ll make decisions together. You want to be a big-shot boss lady, then I’ll stay home and be a househusband. Maybe I’ll wear the apron and high heels.”
“Now there’s an idea.”
“Just say you’ll be mine, Kota. I’m flexible on all the rest.”
I nod.
“Yeah?” One side of his mouth pulls into a boyish smirk.
“How could I say no to having a househusband?”
“Husband? Did you say husband?”
“Legally, that’s still what you are.”
He leans over the edge of the bed and grabs his jeans. “Your response to that is to get dressed? Really?”
I admire the view of his tight ass and the muscles of his back. When his head pops back up, he cradles a black box in one hand, and all the air is sucked from my lungs.
“I was going to wait. Take you out on a bunch of really baller dates first. Wine and dine you, impress you with all sorts of really romantic shit. I was going to do it the right way this time, but it’s the quiet moments like this that I feel the closest to you.” He opens the box and a beautiful ring sparkles back at me. “Marry me, Dakota. Today. Tomorrow. In a year from now or five. Whatever you want. I promise I’ll never stop showing you how much you mean to me. Over the top, big and wild love.”
“I wouldn’t have you any other way, Johnny Maverick.” I stare at the ring again. “It’s gorgeous.”
He plucks it from the box and slides it down my ring finger. “Your dad helped me pick it out.”
“He did?”
“After I accidentally told him we eloped.”
I gasp. “You didn’t?”
“I did. Sorry.” He winces.
Oh no. “But you’re still in one piece.”
“It was touch and go for a few minutes, but I told him what you mean to me and promised that I’d spend my entire life making you happy.”
“What do I do with this?” I twist the red elastic around my finger. I haven’t removed it since the night in Vegas.
He lifts it over the diamond ring and then wraps his lips around my finger, gliding the elastic up my finger. He holds the red hair tie with his teeth as he covers my body with his.
“Hands above your head, baby.”
41
Dakota
Two months later
Johnny’s handsome face stares back at me through the phone. “Are you wearing it?”
“Yes.” I roll my eyes but lower my phone to show him I’m wearing the Wildcats jersey he sent me. His.
“Maybe you should wear the shirt from the Frozen Four instead. The one I made with the Valley colors.”
“Already thought of that.” I lift the jersey to show him it’s underneath. “You’ve got this.”
He blows out a breath that puffs out his cheeks. His dark hair is slicked back, and he’s in his pads and jersey for their first game.
“I wish you were here.”
“Me too.”
“Phone sex later?”
“Yes, and I’m sending you a little something right now.” I send the text and wait for him to get it.
He chuckles. “My two favorite girls.”
I pat Charli’s head, and Johnny coos at her, slipping into the sweet voice he only uses for his dog. We decided since he’s traveling so much, it would be easier for Charli to stay with me for a few months. She and I get along great, but she misses her guy. Me too.
“Now go crush it. I want to brag about my superhot, super talented husband to all my friends. They’re coming over to watch, and we’re doing a Zoom call with Rhett and Sienna. My dad’s even watching. We’re all so proud of you.”
“I knew I’d win Jerry over.” He smirks, and then it falls. “Okay. Love you. I’ll call you later.”
We gather in the living room for the game. Sienna and Rhett are watching in Minnesota, but Ginny pulls them up on her laptop, so it’s almost like we’re all together to watch Johnny’s pro debut.
All his nerves were completely unwarranted. The Wildcats get off to an early lead. Johnny gets an assist in the first period, and seconds before the end of the game, he fires a shot that sneaks by the goalie and lights up the goalpost.
Heath jumps to his feet and screams. He does a lap around the living room and rips off his T-shirt and swings it around his head. While our friends celebrate, I stare at the TV with tears in my eyes. I’m so proud of him.
He calls me as soon as he’s done with interviews and headed to the airport with the team.
“Congratulations!”
He grins. “You’re my lucky charm.”
“You have to call Heath. He was out of his mind when you scored that goal.”
“I will. First, check your email.”
“My email?”
“Mhmm. I just sent something to you.”
“Okay.” I move to my desk and find the email from Johnny. It’s a forward, and I skim quickly, stopping when I get to the bottom and see the photo of him in the shower from the photo shoot we did this summer.
“I don’t understand.”
“My dad called me after the launch. Apparently, it didn’t do as well as they expected.”
I bite my tongue. I’m still pissed about the way his dad handled that. Not about the photos. I can handle my work being critiqued, but I cannot handle my man being shit on by someone who is supposed to love him unconditionally.
“He wanted to renegotiate, and I told him the only way I was going to be the face of Maverick Corporation’s new line was if they used your ideas. All of them.”
I scroll up and read more carefully as he speaks.
“They created a new scent called Rebel. Johnny Maverick wears Rebel. It goes live tomorrow. They’re using all of your content, the image you selected, the behind-the-scenes videos, everything. Your check is in the mail.”
“My check?”
“A little bonus to show JM Holdings’ appreciation.”
“Johnny,” I admonish. I know we’re married, but I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to his money being our money.
“If you’re opposed to buying something for yourself, then use it to come see me next weekend. Invite the whole gang.”
And there it is. I’d wager just about anything that when that check arrives, it’ll be for the exact amount to fly me, and all our friends, to Minnesota.
“I love you.”
“Love you too, babe. I’ll call you as soon as I get home. Be naked.”
And that’s how the first few months apart go. We talk every day. I cheer him on from afar, and in the Wildcats arena that I spent so much time at this summer, I hang out with my friends, work at the Hall of Fame, study, and countdown the minutes between every visit and call.
On a crisp fall weekend, Johnny has two days off, and we travel to Kansas together. The ceremony is held during halftime of the homecoming game. Dad and Johnny watch from the sidelines. I’m nervous as I walk out onto the football field with the other former athletes being inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.
Mr. Hote, my old track coach, is probably here somewhere in the stands, but I specifically requested that he not be the one to give me the award. I keep my eyes trained on Johnny and my father standing and clapping. They both look so proud. It’s a silly award, but it means everything that they’re here. Maybe life is less about accepting the award and more about the people who are there for you when you receive it.
It’s over in minutes, and it feels a little childish that I waited all these years to come back.
“Do you want to stay for the rest of the game?” Dad asks me when I make my way back to
our seats.
“No. I think I’m good. Thank you both for coming.”
Dad hugs me tight against his chest. “Your mother would be so proud.”
Johnny takes my hand as we walk out to the truck.
“Dakota!”
I turn at my name and find Coach Hote jogging after us. He really is a handsome guy. Age has been kind to him. His hair is a dusty blond, and his blue eyes are bright, only the faintest wrinkles giving away he’s now in his forties.
“Coach,” I say, squeezing Johnny’s hand tighter.
My husband takes a step, so he’s standing in front of me. I avoid looking at my dad. If he knew that this man—a man that used to frequently pick me up and drop me off at home—tried to have sex with me, he’d kill him and maybe me for keeping it from him.
Coach Hote must understand the situation isn’t altogether friendly. He holds up both hands. “I just wanted to offer my congratulations. You were a great runner. I was sad to hear you gave it up. I hope it wasn’t because of our misunderstanding.” He looks to my dad. “Sometimes crushes like this happen. The teenage years can be very confusing for kids, especially girls.” His gaze sweeps back over me, and I’m frozen. Oh my god, is he trying to play this off like I was crushing on him, and he turned me down? I’m so angry I can’t breathe. “You look good. How long are you in town? Maybe we could catch up.”
Johnny’s hold is a vise, and I squeeze back equally as tight to keep him at my side. I do not need him to get in a fight and get suspended or fined.
“You son of a bitch.” Dad takes a step and throws a punch that none of us see coming. Least of all Coach Hote. He winces and shakes his hand. “Stay away from my family, or I’ll borrow my new son’s hockey stick and let him show me how to use it on your kidneys.”
Coach wipes at the corner of his mouth where his lip is split. I’m speechless as I stare at my dad.
Holy shit. Johnny tugs me away, and Dad wraps his arm around my shoulders as if nothing happened. “Who wants pizza?”
Epilogue
Johnny
On a beautiful July weekend, I throw a party. A very big, very over-the-top party. Mr. and Mrs. Maverick style.
“You have really outdone yourself this time,” Heath says, sitting next to me at a table covered in white linens and colorful floral arrangements. So many floral arrangements. Roses in every color. Candles, fairy lights, music, dancing, food, and a four-tier cake.
All of it for her.
Dakota meets my gaze from the dance floor. She and the girls are in a circle, moving to the beat and belting out the lyrics. I can’t hear her from here, but I feel the place she’s belting it out from. Bliss. Home. I’ve found my person.
One year after our Vegas wedding, we’re celebrating our anniversary with the wedding I should have given her the first time. I have regrets, but it’s hard to add that one to the list. Still, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t try to give her everything she missed out on.
“What about you and Ginny?” I ask my buddy. “You buy a ring yet?”
“Without your help?” He laughs and tips back the beer in his hand. After he’s drained it, he stands. “Soon. I just want to finish school first and get my signing bonus so I can buy a huge diamond.” He moves his hands apart wider than his body.
Without warning, Ginny throws herself between his arms and wraps her arms around his chest. “Come dance with me.”
He tosses his empty bottle and sweeps her off her feet. “Great idea, baby doll.”
I find Adam and Rhett standing shoulder to shoulder on the edge of the dance floor watching their girls.
“Gentleman,” I say, stepping between them.
“The man of the night.” Adam holds up his drink. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you. I appreciate you guys coming.”
“Are you kidding? We wouldn’t miss it.” Rhett rocks back on his heels. “Who would have thought you’d be the first to get married?”
“What can I say? I’m more worldly and mature than the rest of you fools.” I bust up laughing. Yeah, that isn’t it. “I’m a lucky guy. Got the girl, got great friends, and I look damn good in a tux.”
“You clean up nice,” Rhett confirms. “You’ll have another chance to wear it next month.”
“Can’t wait,” I say. He and Sienna are up next. They’re getting married in a church in Sienna’s hometown. It’s the summer of love. The second of many. I might just keep right on throwing an anniversary party every year. “I’m going in. Meet you guys in five like we planned?”
I don’t wait for an answer, I know they’ve got my back, before I move toward my wife. Now that she’s graduated and moved to Minnesota, I see her every day. I wake up with her, come home to her, and still she takes my breath away.
“Wifey,” I say as I circle an arm around her waist and pull her to me. She’s wearing a white dress and the Chucks I bought her.
“Yes, handsome husband of mine?”
“I have a surprise for you.”
Her eyes light up with excitement and humor. “Of course you do.”
I lead her away from the dance floor. Her hand takes mine, and I interlace our fingers.
“Because the car and the jewelry, and—”
I silence her with a kiss. Her sweet laughter spills into my mouth. Okay, so I bought a few things for our anniversary. Sue me, I like to spoil my girl.
“This one is different.”
Some of my teammates are hanging outside of the tent with their dates.
Jack juts his chin as we approach. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks, man.”
Declan shakes my hand and then hugs Dakota.
Leo, Ash, and Tyler offer fist bumps.
Quinn and Reese made it, too. Together. That’s a pair I didn’t see coming.
“We’ll be back, guys.” I squeeze Dakota’s hand. “Enjoy the booze.”
Inside our house, yeah, that’s right, we’re homeowners, I pause in the entryway and kiss my wife. We bought a place not far from Jack’s. I can walk to half my teammate’s houses.
“Johnny Maverick, did you pull me away from our party to have sex? Is the surprise your penis? Because I’ve seen it.” She leans in and lowers her voice. “A lot.”
“Baby, my dick is always a gift, but no.” I tug her into the office on the first floor. We just moved in last week and have a few projects going to make this our dream home.
Dakota wanted a workout room and a killer kitchen, and I wanted, nay, needed, a living room to hold the biggest TV you can buy and enough seats for all my friends and teammates. And one more thing.
On the bookcase, there’s a framed picture of Kota and me from one night years ago at Valley playing sardines. I push on the back of the shelf directly behind the picture, and the entire bookcase moves.
Dakota jumps back as it swings open, revealing the secret room behind it.
“Johnny,” she gasps, walking in slowly.
I follow her, raise my hands and look at her through a window I make with my thumbs and pointer fingers. Perfect.
“This is incredible.” She turns in a circle with a grin that makes it all worth it.
“We finally have the best hiding spot. Got about five minutes before they start looking for us.”
“You did this for a silly game?”
“Nothing silly about it,” I say. “A lot of great memories from the nights I spent hiding in the dark with you.”
She wraps her arms around my neck. “And a lot more to come.”
Thank you for reading Wild Love!
Want more hockey romance? The Wildcats are coming! Preorder the first book in the series, Wildcat, releasing December 14th.
Everybody knows the coach’s daughter is off limits.
Playlist
“Twerkin in the Mirror” by Ying Yang Twins
“If I Were U” by Blackbear feat. Lauv
“Slow Motion” by Charlotte Lawrence
“Let it Go” by DJ Khaled feat. 21 Savage a
nd Justin Bieber
“Sure Thing” by Miguel
“Heartbreak Hotel” by Abigail Barlow
“No Scrubs” by Sam Robs, Kelvin Wood
“Wow” by Zara Larsson
“Fuck Up the Friendship” by Leah Kate
“Play with Me” by Bailey Bryan
“Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood
“Obsessed” by Mariah Carey
“I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend” by Girl in Red
“You & Jennifer” by bülow
“We Belong” by Dove Cameron
“Problems” by DeathbyRomy
“Time of Our Lives” by Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo
“Vices” by Mothica
“Angels Like You” by Miley Cyrus
“Alone in My Car” by Niki Demar
“Champagne & Sunshine” by PLVTINUM feat. Tarro
“Frustrated” by Lauren Sanderson
Acknowledgments
Thank you to everyone who took this journey with me. I had so much fun writing the Campus Nights series.
Special thanks to Anelise, Ann, Becca, and Katie for loving Maverick as much as I do and helping me make him shine.
To Amy, Catherine, and Kristy for your daily support. Best coworkers ever. <3
Thanks to Alley for being awake at crazy hours and available to help me brainstorm or write with me.
To my readers for showing up for me time and again. I feel so fortunate to do this job everyday.
And, of course, to Dr. J for being the ultimate hero, cheering me on, and loving me wild.
Also By Rebecca Jenshak
Campus Nights Series
Secret Puck
Bad Crush
Broken Hearts
Wild Love
Smart Jocks Series
The Assist
The Fadeaway
The Tip-Off
The Fake
The Pass