After checking my reflection in the mirror and liking what I see, I leave my bathroom and head out into my living room, stopping to pet my cat Pippin, who’s stretched out on the recliner chair in my living room with the sun shining through the window directly on him.
“Who’s a lazy boy?” I say to him as I scratch behind his ears and then his belly as he rolls over. As I scratch in his favorite spots, his purring starts up and I love on him for a little longer.
I got him from a local shelter shortly after I left Robert and got my own place. I was lonely, and after passing by a pet adoption pop-up outside the mall, I stopped and checked out all the animals they had with them that day. Before the afternoon was over, I left the mall with not only whatever it was I’d gone there looking for, but also a cat.
Pippin was just a kitten at the time. He was the cutest ball of fluff, and he won me over with his cuteness the moment I saw him playing. I left the adoption event that day and headed straight for a pet store, loading my cart full of cat food and treats, a bed, scratching post, toys, and everything else I could possibly need for my first pet.
He was the soothing companion I didn’t know I needed, but am sure glad I found.
I pet him for a few more minutes before I check his food and change out the water in his dish. I grab the lint roller once I’m done and make sure I don’t have any of his fur sticking to me before I leave the house again.
I make it back to the arena, stopping into the office to make sure no paperwork was dropped on my desk that needs to be dealt with before the game starts. I don’t find any paperwork, but I do find a sticky note in the center of my desk.
I’d hoped to get a good luck kiss from you before the game. Guess I’ll just have to get a congratulatory one after.
~M
The tingles that I feel throughout my body make me feel like a teenager again. The smile that fills my face makes my cheeks hurt, but I’ll take that pain any day over the pain I felt when my marriage ended.
Months went by where I wondered if I’d ever find love again. Would I ever find a man who could love me for me and not who he wanted me to be? Who could look past the unknown reasons as to why my body didn’t want to give me a child.
I’d been through every medical test my doctors could think to run and nothing pointed to why Robert and I had issues getting, and then staying, pregnant. We were so excited when, after trying for so long, we got that positive pregnancy test, only to have that joy and excitement ripped from us weeks later, when the doctor couldn’t locate a heartbeat. We never got another positive test after that, and it was around then that our marriage started to crumble. I was depressed, and he turned to drinking, and was a mean drunk. Mentally abusive. Never physically, thank God, but I realized his mental abuse immediately and got out of that situation when my suggestion of marriage counseling didn’t go over well with him.
He blamed me for our inability to have kids, which in turn didn’t help with the level of guilt I was already carrying. Thank the Lord for my therapist, who helped me overcome that guilt and made me realize I didn’t do anything wrong. There was nothing that I could have done to prevent the miscarriage, and his words were nothing but a lashing out meant to bring me down and beat me up.
I pull myself back to the moment and as much as a new relationship with someone scares me, I’m finally ready to pursue it and see where this goes with Mark. He’s always been kind to me over the last couple of years when I turned down his requests for a date, and after last night, I’m kind of regretting making him wait for so long.
I make my way down to the offices at the locker room level of the arena to check in with Coach Martin.
“Laura!” he greets me in his deep gruff voice as I knock on the doorframe of his office.
“Jacob, how are things going tonight?”
“Everything’s good, nothing to report. No changes to the final roster, so it’s already been turned in.”
“Sounds good. I’ll check in with you after the game before I head out, to make sure nothing needs done tonight. Have a good game,” I tell him, as I do before every game. This exchange has been our normal pre-game routine for the past few seasons and I don’t foresee it changing anytime soon.
As I make my way out of Coach’s office, a few of the guys are making their way out of the locker room and out to the ice for warm-ups. I stop when I see Mark come out behind a few other of the guys.
“Hey,” he says, his deep voice sending tingles down my spine.
“Hi,” I breathlessly say. “I got your note, sorry I wasn’t in the office when you stopped by. I usually slip out in the afternoon on game days, since I have to come back to work for the game.”
“Good to know. I was trying to surprise you. But I guess I can still collect that good luck kiss now,” he says, closing the distance between the two of us.
The height difference between us is even greater than normal, with him in his skates and me in flats. But that doesn’t stop him from leaning down and bringing his lips to mine. His kiss is quick but perfect, and it leaves me wanting more.
“I better get out there before they come looking for me,” he says, motioning toward the tunnel.
“Good luck tonight, kick some ass,” I tell him, a smile filling my face.
“Obviously!” He laughs, smacking my ass before he heads toward the ice. “I’ll see you after the game,” he calls out over his shoulder before disappearing down the tunnel that leads to the ice.
With no paperwork needing to be done before the game, I make my way up to the suite that is mostly used by all the wives, girlfriends, and kids of the players. Having a secure and private place for the family members of our players to watch the games from was a priority for my dad when he started this team. He’d heard horror stories about fans pestering the family members, and didn’t want that for his own team. So, from the first season, we’ve had this suite set aside for just that use. The family members have access to the building through the same secure entrance the players do.
“Hi, Laura!” Madison calls out from across the room after I enter the suite. I head toward where she is standing with Becca Taylor, the team captain’s wife, and Kinley Kelly, the wife of Brian Kelly, one of our defensemen. Madison has become one of my best friends in the last year, and I couldn’t be happier for her after she finally started dating Richard Murphy, one of our other players, this past spring. They just got engaged the other night and I’m so excited for the two of them.
“Hi, ladies,” I greet as I reach where they’ve congregated. “How are you feeling today, Kinley?”
“Today has been a good day,” she says, rubbing her small baby bump. Poor girl has had a rough first trimester.
“That’s great! I hope that trend continues for you.”
“You and me both!” She laughs. “I love that man to death, but Brian’s hovering is going to drive me crazy. I’m actually looking forward to their road trip in a few days, so that I get a break from his hovering. Just don’t tell him I said that,” she says, looking at all of us.
“Your secret is safe with us,” Becca assures her. “Plus, we’ll all be here if you need anything.” Becca switches the hip she has Michael, her and Scott’s eight-month-old son, sitting on. He is such a cute little guy and I love seeing him here.
“So, have you and Murph made any plans yet, wedding-wise?” I ask Madison. We haven’t talked much since they got engaged, other than a few congratulatory texts and her wishing me a happy birthday yesterday.
“Not really. We’ll wait to get married until next summer. That way, we’re not dealing with a mid-season wedding and can go on a honeymoon right away.”
“Do you think you’ll do it here? Go back to Richard’s hometown? Destination?” I ask, rapid-fire.
“No clue yet. I’m just still letting it all sink in that we’re engaged. I know we need to start figuring out those details and get things booked, but I’m going to take a week or so and just enjoy being engaged before the craziness of w
edding planning starts. I know we’ll want to keep it small-ish, but that isn’t the easiest thing to do when we’ve got an entire team that Richard looks at as his family. So, I’m sure it’s going to end up being a lot bigger than what I’d originally hoped for, but I also don’t want to exclude anyone that’s important to either of us, either.”
“You do you,” Becca tells her. “Our wedding was big, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.” A dreamy smile fills her face. “Even with Scott being the team captain, not all the guys came to the wedding. I’m not sure if that’s because we had it back home in Alaska or if it just didn’t work for their schedules. But obviously his closest friends from the team were there, as most of them were in our wedding party.”
“So, how was the birthday date?” Madison finally asks, bringing the attention to me.
I can feel the blush filling my cheeks as all eyes turn on me.
“Ooh, who did you go on a date with? And for your birthday, no less?” Kinley asks.
“Mark, and it was perfect,” I tell them, trying to keep my voice from giving away just how much he impressed and swept me off my feet last night.
“Mark, as in Mark Lee, who has asked you out a bajillion times? Hot as hell, is down on the ice right now, Mark?” Kinley questions.
“The one and only,” I confirm, the smile I’ve pretty much had plastered on my face since last night returning.
“From the look on your face, I’m going to assume that the date was a success,” Becca muses.
I nod my head in agreement. “It was perfect. We’re going out for dessert tonight after the game, as well.”
“Oh. My. God!” the three of them all practically squeal at the same time.
“Tell us everything!” Madison says, wiggling her eyebrows at me. “Spare no details!”
I tell them everything about our date last night, his special delivery at work this morning, and even about our quick exchange in the hall of the arena before I came up here.
“I’m so happy you’ve finally reached the point that you’re ready to date again,” Becca tells me. “I hope everything continues and you guys work out. You deserve a great man, and from the interactions I’ve had with him, he’s always been extremely kind. I know Scott has enjoyed getting to know him since he joined the team.”
We continue our conversation as we watch the game. The guys pull out another win tonight, showing just why it is that they’ve been a team at the top of the league for the past few years. The chemistry between everyone on the team is stronger than I’ve ever seen, especially for it being this early in the season. Most teams are still testing out line combinations as they settle each player into his spot on the roster. Every team deals with roster changes every season, but even with the few that we’ve had, you wouldn’t know these guys all hadn’t been playing together for years.
Chapter Four
Mark
“Good game, guys,” Scott tells everyone as we start to strip out of our gear back in the locker room. “Let’s keep it up next week on the road and prove to everyone why we’re the defending champs. Take the weekend to rest and be ready to go next week.”
The excitement in the locker room is palpable after our second win this week. We kicked Arizona’s ass tonight, and everyone in the locker room is on a high for how well we played. I don’t think the coaching staff will have much to complain about.
Our new starting goalie, Tyler Jacobson, got his first shutout, as not only an Eagle but at the NHL level. That kid is bursting with excitement and looks like he’s going to be celebrating that accomplishment all night tonight. Guess it’s a good thing we don’t have any games for a couple of days.
I finally get myself showered and dressed. I talk to the press that approach me, answering the standard questions on how I felt we played tonight, what it was like to play with Tyler when he achieved his first career shutout, and how I think the season is going to go. I finish gathering all my things and finally make it out of the locker room. I’m not sure where Laura will be, as I know she has things to do after games, so I pull my cell out to text her.
Mark: I’m leaving the locker room now, where should I meet you?
* * *
Laura: I’m just finishing up some paperwork in my office and then I have to stop back in Coach’s office before I can leave. Meet me outside his office in a few minutes?
* * *
Mark: I’ll be waiting.
I slip my cell back in my pocket and stop outside of Coach’s office, leaning against the wall to wait for Laura. I drop my bag to the ground and watch as guys start to file out of the locker room. This part of the hall is out of sight from the crowds of people that come down to the holding areas looking for guys to sign something for them, as well as any press that didn’t have locker room access.
“Good game tonight,” Austin says, as he comes to a stop in front of me, holding out his fist for me to hit.
“You too,” I tell him as we bump fists.
“You waiting on Laura?”
“Yep, we’re going out for dessert somewhere tonight. No need to wait up for me,” I tell him with a smirk.
“That’s my man,” he says, smacking me on the shoulder.
“What are you up to tonight? Heading back to the apartment?”
“Just to change, then we’re going out with Tyler to celebrate the win tonight. See if we can find some honeys to entertain later,” he says, bouncing his eyebrows at me.
God, to be a young kid in the league again. Chasing tail and partying it up after a big win.
“Where are you guys headed?”
“Some club. Not really sure as I didn’t recognize the name.”
“Well, have fun. Don’t do anything stupid that will get you in trouble with Coach,” I remind him.
“Thanks, Dad,” he teases right back.
“Smartass.”
“Who’s being a smartass?” Brian asks as he stops to talk with the two of us.
“This kid,” I say, nodding my head in Austin’s direction. “Just reminding him to be careful and not to get into any trouble tonight.”
“Ah, yes. The voice of reason. Listen to him, man. I wish someone would have reminded me of that a few times, years ago.”
“Now you’ve got the ball and chain right at home,” Tyler says to Brian.
“And I’ll gladly take that ball and chain any day of the week over my bachelor days. Best thing to happen to me, man,” he says, referring to his wife, Kinley. “Speaking of my wife, I need to get up to her now, so we can get out of here. You boys have a good night, I’ll see you on Monday.”
Brian continues down the hall, to the elevators that will take him up to the suite level where he can meet up with Kinley.
Just as Austin leaves to catch up with a few of the guys exiting the locker room, I see Laura walking down the hall, paperwork in her hand and her focus set to work mode. I take the moment to really watch her, study how she carries herself. How she looks casual but professional in her jeans and team logo shirt, and flats. She looks comfortable, but still in charge, as she takes care of business. She heads into Coach’s office, but once she exits a few minutes later, she finds me still standing here against the wall.
“Hey,” she says, a small smile crossing her lips. She’s placed the tips of her fingers into the pockets of her jeans as she stands in front of me, looking cute yet sexy. “You played great tonight.”
“Thanks. You ready to get out of here?” I ask, wanting nothing more than to go somewhere a little more private, so I can kiss her again tonight.
“Sure.”
“Would you like to ride with me?”
“Only if you promise to bring me back to my car at some point.”
“That I can do,” I tell her as I reach down and pick up my bag, then take her hand. I link our fingers together and lean down to kiss her cheek quickly before we start walking down the hall. “Have you picked a place for dessert yet?”
“Most places I looked up closed before
the game ended or before we’d get out of here tonight, so we can just hit up any restaurant that’s still open,” she says as we exit the building and walk into the players’ parking lot.
“I kind of forgot about that issue.”
“We could always swing by the store and pick up something, and take it back to my house.”
“If that’s what you want.”
“Let’s do that!” she says excitedly. “Then we won’t be limited on how late a restaurant is open. And if we’re going to my place anyways, I’ll just drive my car home now.”
I like the idea of heading to Laura’s house, but am slightly bummed she won’t be in my car for the ride over.
“Do you want to stop at the store on our way, or go drop off your car and then go to the store?”
“We’ll pass right by the store on our way, so we might as well stop.”
“Sounds good, I’ll follow you,” I tell her as we come to a stop at her car. I reach out and open her door for her, and then drop a chaste kiss to her lips before she climbs in.
I close her door and quickly jog over to my own car. I pull out behind her and follow her the few minutes to the store.
I park right next to her and jump out of my car, making it to her car door in time to open it for her. Once she’s out, I link our fingers together as we walk into the store.
“What are you in the mood for tonight?” I ask as I grab a basket and we walk toward the bakery.
“Something chocolatey, or maybe cheesecake… No, wait, maybe we should get the ingredients to make little strawberry shortcakes,” she says, almost drooling over the different options, making me laugh.
“So, one of everything?” I tease her.
“As tempting as that sounds, my hips wouldn’t appreciate that many sweets.”
“Your hips are just fine,” I tell her, sweeping an arm around her waist and pulling her against me as we stop at a display with all kinds of gourmet cupcakes. “Want one of these? We can grab a few things and share them.”
Protecting Her Heart: Indianapolis Eagles Series Book 4 Page 4
