He reaches down and pulls off my own shirt, then flicks the clasp on my bra, and pulling that from my body. I work on unbuckling his belt, then quickly unbuttoning and unzipping his jeans.
With his pants open, I shove them down his hips and ass. As his jeans reach his knees, I free his hard cock from his boxers and lick my lips before I wrap them around the head.
“Damn, Princess,” he grits out, his fingers finding my nipples as he rolls and flicks them.
I suck him further into my mouth, taking him in as far as I can, until his tip is hitting the back of my throat. With a fist grasping the rest of his length, I pull back to the tip, sinking right back down. I repeat this movement a few more times, swirling around his cock head each time I pull up.
Mark sinks his hands into my hair, helping direct my head where he wants it. As I pull back, I hollow my cheeks, really sucking hard and then popping his cock out of my mouth, lapping at the tip as a few drops of precum emerge.
“Get up here,” he says, pulling me up. I’m on my knees on the bed, and as soon as I’m up, he drops a hard kiss to my lips. “You’re so fucking good at that. I don’t know how I didn’t come right down your throat.” He moves his lips from mine to my neck and jawline, kissing his way down until he’s reached my breasts. He lays me down on the bed, and then reaches for the waistband of my jeans, opening and pulling them off my body, along with my thong.
He stands in front of me, slowly stroking his cock. He brings his other hand to my pussy and slides his fingers through my wetness before sinking two fingers inside and curling them to hit my most sensitive spot.
“Damn, Princess, you’re ready for me,” he says, leaning down to kiss me again.
“Yes, please more,” I plead.
He adds another finger, and continues teasing me as he fucks me with them.
“I need your cock,” I tell him, panting as my orgasm builds.
“How about my tongue first?” he says, a smirk on his face as he drops to his knees and pulls me closer to the edge of the bed. He keeps the pace with his fingers as his tongue connects with my clit and fucking fireworks go off behind my eyes. I arch off the bed into his touch, as his lips suck my clit into his mouth and his fingers continue pumping into me, my body exploding around them. The orgasm is so intense, I don’t see anything but the blackness and spots, and can only hear the whooshing of my blood in my ears.
He releases my clit and pulls his fingers from me as he slides up my body and sinks his cock inside me. The fullness of him has my body spasming again around him.
“Fuck, you feel amazing,” he grits out as he stills inside of me.
“Move,” I whisper, needing him not to just sit still inside of me any longer. My body is greedy and wants more.
He finds a quick rhythm, pulling one of my legs higher around his hip, so he can hit me deeper inside.
He stops suddenly and pulls out, then taps my hip, so that I’ll roll to my side. With my legs both to the side, he tugs my hips to the edge of the bed and slides back inside me. This new angle opens an entire new world to sensations, depth, and how it feels to have him inside of me. With every thrust of his cock, he drags against me at an angle I can’t say I’ve ever experienced. It has me quickly building toward another orgasm. His thumb finds my clit and as he starts to rub against it, I explode once again. My orgasm trips Mark’s and with one final thrust, I can feel him spill inside of me.
He collapses against me, bringing his head to rest against my collarbone. Once he’s caught his breath, he drops a few kisses to my neck before he pulls out and hands me a washcloth. We’ve taken to stashing some in the nightstand next to the bed, to keep from having a wet spot on the sheets.
I get up and head for the bathroom to get cleaned up and ready for bed. Mark joins me a moment later to do the same. We slide into bed together, both sated and ready for sleep. I curl into his side, the one I’ve come accustomed to sleeping next to in such a short amount of time. I’ve always been a cuddler, and it took me awhile to get used to not sleeping next to a man when Robert and I separated.
“I’m going to miss you when you’re gone later this week,” I say, once we’re comfortable and settled in bed.
“Ditto, babe. Why don’t you come along with the team?”
“I could. But I still wouldn’t be able to sleep next to you at night.”
“But I’d at least get to kiss you each day.” He drops a kiss to the top of my head. “And there’s nothing against you being in my room before it’s time to sleep,” he says, as he slips his hand onto my hip.
“Maybe. I’ll see how things are in the office tomorrow, and see if I can make it happen.”
The next day is a busy one for me with the concert happening at the arena. The guys have the day off since the arena had to be flipped to accommodate the stage. The ice just gets covered with a special flooring and all the boards come down. The arena crew is amazingly fast at flipping it for events, and have everything set up by the time the band is ready to do their sound check early afternoon.
I head down to say hello to everyone, and listen while they do their soundcheck. After an hour or so of tweaking the sound, they are all happy with it and head for the backstage area, where I join them.
“Laura!” Reese squeals as I approach. She runs to give me a huge hug. “It’s so good to see you! How are you?” she asks as we break apart.
“I’m great, how are you? Keeping all these guys in line out on the road?” I ask, motioning to her band.
“You look amazing,” she says. “And yes, these guys can be a handful, but I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else. They keep me on my toes, that’s for sure.”
“They were quite the riot at my parents’ house last night. I missed seeing you there.”
“That’s what I heard. I also heard a little something about you having a new man in your life. Tell me all the deets,” she says, bouncing on the balls of her feet.
“I do. He’s pretty amazing.” I can feel the blush creeping up my neck and into my cheeks.
“Mike said he’s one of the guys on the team.”
“Yes, Mark has played here now for a couple of seasons. We’ve become friends since he was traded to us. He actually asked me out a few times over the years, but I was never ready to take that leap. He finally wore me down and I’m glad he did. He really is the best,” I say, swooning just a bit.
“Aww, that’s so cute! I need you to introduce me to one of these hockey hunks. I could use some swooning in my life.”
“I’m sure you could have any man you wanted,” I tell her.
“You’d think so, but most are intimidated by my job, or can’t deal with my schedule or the fact that I primarily live in a bus with a bunch of guys. Not the easiest gig to have and also have a relationship with someone.”
“Well, I’m sure we can introduce you to a few of the guys. I know some of them are coming to the concert tonight. They’ll all be up in the team’s suite. So, tell me, what’s your favorite part so far about being on this huge worldwide tour?”
“Oh man, I don’t even know where to start! The fans have been amazing. It’s so special to see and hear so many people singing my songs back to me. I love meeting fans, especially the young girls that see me as a role model. I take that seriously, and do my best to portray myself in a way that their parents can feel comfortable letting them look up to me. So many people in my position let the fame go to their head and forget where they started. We all have to start somewhere, and I hope to never forget that.”
“Well, with an attitude like that, I don’t think you have anything to worry about,” I tell her sincerely.
“Do you want to go grab some lunch with me?”
“Sure. I know they brought in some food in the back for you guys.”
“Oh, I know, the record label always has that set up for us, and I’ll hit it up later. But we’ve got a few hours to burn, and I like to get out into the sunshine when I can.”
“Well, in that c
ase, how does a hole-in-the-wall Mexican place sound? They have the best tacos you will find anywhere.”
“Now you’re talking,” Reese says, slipping her arm through mine as we walk toward the exit.
“Hey, guys, I’m leaving with Laura to go get tacos. Anyone want to tag along?”
At the mention of getting out of the arena, and tacos, we now have the entire band following us out the door to my favorite taco place.
I detour back to the office to grab my purse and shoot a text off to Mark to see if he wants to meet us for lunch.
Laura: Hey babe, I’m headed to lunch with Reese and the guys, want to join us? We’re headed for tacos.
* * *
Mark: Sure, care if a few of the guys tag along?
* * *
Laura: Should be fine.
* * *
Mark: See you soon, beautiful.
It only takes us a few minutes to reach the restaurant, and since it’s mid-afternoon and after the normal lunch rush, they are able to easily pull together some tables to accommodate all of us. Mark showed up with Richard, Scott, Brian, Austin, and Johnathan. Apparently, they’d all been working out together this morning, and had just been discussing grabbing food before heading home, so my text came at the perfect time.
With the eleven of us at lunch, we all have a good time together. The guys tend to stick to hockey and music talk while Reese and I catch up on life. I didn’t miss the fact that Austin took his time looking Reese over and introducing himself to her.
Once we’ve all devoured our food, everyone thanks me for letting them know about this place. We go our separate ways and I take Reese back to the arena. My brother has one of my parents’ extra cars, so he drove over with Brett and David.
“So, I noticed the little spark between you and Austin.”
“He seemed nice. But I also got the playboy vibe from him.”
“I think there’s a little bit of that going on with him, but I also think he’s a sweetheart underneath.”
“Maybe I’ll talk to him a little more tonight. He said he’d be at the concert,” she says, and I grin.
I drop Reese back off at her bus that’s parked in the back lot of the arena and head for home. I’ve got a few hours until I need to be back for the concert tonight.
Chapter Eighteen
Mark
March
Four months later
“Hey, Princess,” I say, as Laura’s face fills my iPhone screen. I’m back in my hotel room after our game tonight against the Islanders.
“Hi. How are you doing? That hit you took didn’t look good.”
“I’m sore, that’s for sure. Hopefully nothing long-lasting. How are you doing?”
“Good, just ready for you to get home.”
“Me too, babe. Glad this road trip is almost over. Just a couple more nights and I’ll be back in your arms.”
“I know, I’m kicking myself for not coming on this trip.”
“Did you get together with the girls to watch the game tonight?”
“Yeah, Becca had everyone over and we had a good time. It was good to see Kinley, as well. She’s getting so close to having that baby. I’m glad she felt good enough to come and watch the game with us. It also gave all of us girls time to work on some wedding details for Madison.”
“Yeah, Brian made a comment about hoping she’d feel good enough to get out of the house while he was gone. Said she’s been having a rough time being pregnant.”
“She sure has. But the end is almost in sight for them. They’ll be holding that little bundle in no time at all. Hey, before I forget, did you get a text from Amber and Will?”
“Yeah,” I say, scrubbing my face. “Didn’t sound good.”
“I know. She called me earlier today. I think she just needed someone to cry to that wasn’t a family member. Hospice was officially called in today.”
“Think I should call them tomorrow? I don’t want to bother them if things are crazy.” I blow out a huge breath. Both Laura and I have stayed in contact with the Macentire family since they came out to Indy back in October. I text with Will every few days, and FaceTime with the kids a few times a month.
“Maybe send Will a text? I’m sure they’d appreciate the gesture,” Laura suggests.
“I’ll do that, then call tomorrow if they are up for it,” I decide. “It just all really sucks, I hate that it has come to this for them. Brayden is such a good boy. I don’t know how they’re going to get through losing him,” I tell her, my emotions getting the best of me.
“I know, babe, I feel the same way,” she says, wiping a tear from her cheek.
With our moods in a somber place, we talk for a few more minutes before we say good night and end our call. I send off a quick text to Will before I crawl into bed for the night.
Mark: Hey man, sorry I missed your text earlier. I’m sorry to hear about Brayden. Would it help if I called or FaceTimed with the kids tomorrow? We’ve got another game tomorrow night, but I can call after morning skate or before I head back to the arena before the game.
* * *
Will: Thanks, man. Tomorrow should be fine. Hospice came in today and set up. They have him on meds to keep him comfortable, which make him pretty loopy and tired, so he’s sleeping most of the time. They don’t think it will be much longer before he passes away. Amber and the kids aren’t handling the news well, as can be expected.
* * *
Mark: And how are you holding up?
* * *
Will: I’m just trying to stay strong for them at this point. Spending as much time next to his bed as I can, holding his hand and letting him know it’s okay if he lets go.
* * *
Mark: Damn man. I’m sorry about all of this. Please give my love to everyone. I’ll try calling tomorrow once I’m back from our morning skate.
* * *
Will: Thanks. We really appreciate your friendship over these past few months. Been a bright spot in the kids’ world.
I plug my phone in and set it down on the nightstand next to me. My shoulder is killing me after getting slammed into the boards tonight, and I get up to replenish the ice bag for it before getting back in bed and into as comfortable a position as I can with the ice on it. I turn on the TV and flip through the channels until I land on an old Rocky movie to watch, that will hopefully get my mind off the pain in my shoulder and my thoughts about Brayden and his family.
I wake the next morning with the shoulder discomfort still at the top of the pain scale. I call in a room service order for some breakfast, and then grab my phone to text Josh Burre, the head athletic trainer for the team.
Mark: Hey man, the shoulder is no better this morning. When can you take a look at it?
* * *
Josh: I can grab my medical bag and come to your room in a few, if that works. Did you ice it overnight?
* * *
Mark: Yep, woke up once in pain and refilled the ice bag. I’ll take my next dose of the pain meds you gave me last night as soon as my room service gets here, and I can get some food into my stomach.
* * *
Josh: I’ll be there shortly.
I drag myself out of bed and grab some athletic shorts to slip on over my boxers. I forgo a shirt since Josh is going to be messing with my shoulder.
I quickly hit the bathroom to take a piss and then brush my teeth. Just as I’m finishing up in the bathroom, a knock sounds at my door.
I open it and let Josh in, his medical bag in tow.
“That was fast,” I say by way of greeting.
“You caught me first this morning. I was also expecting a call or text from you, after how much pain you were in last night. You don’t normally leave while the game is still going and not return to the game,” he points out.
“Yeah, don’t remind me,” I say, pinching the bridge of my nose.
“All right, let’s take a look at what’s going on,” Josh says, as he starts his assessment of my shoulder.
I hiss in pain a few times as he moves it around, and pushes and prods.
“Well, what are you thinking?” I ask as he lets go and sits back.
“I’m hoping it’s just a deep bruise or muscle strain, but I think we need to err on the cautious side, and have an MRI done when we return home if the pain hasn’t subsided. I also think it’s in your best interest to not play tonight. Probably best not to even skate this morning, either. If you don’t skate, then I can give you some stronger meds to help with the pain for today. I can have Coach list you as a healthy scratch for tonight, and we can get that MRI scheduled for as soon as we return to Indy tomorrow. Then we’ll know more and can go from there.”
“Fuck, okay. I didn’t think that it was going to be that bad. I guess I’ll stay off the ice then today.”
“I really think that’s best. Hopefully, it’s just bruised, and will start feeling better in a couple days and you’ll be back on the ice in no time. Let me get you some better pain meds,” he says, digging in his bag and pulling out a packet of pills. “Take one once your food arrives. You can take the next one six hours later with food. If you need something before that time, you can take the meds I gave you last night, as they’re different types of medicine. Just wait at least four hours between meds if you do end up taking that one.”
“Thanks. Hopefully the one dose will be enough,” I tell him, as I hate taking pills.
“So, just take it easy. I’ll let Coach know what’s going on and that you won’t be at the morning skate. I’ll check back with you once we’re back from the rink. Keep icing the shoulder for twenty minutes every hour when you’re awake. I can give you a sling to wear if you want, but it isn’t required.”
Protecting Her Heart: Indianapolis Eagles Series Book 4 Page 16
