That afternoon, we head over to Tank’s family’s home and have an early dinner with them before landing ourselves at the first Denver Dragon’s game of the season.
As we step through the doors, a wave full of memories come rushing back, reminding me of my final year at college. The very year I met Tank, and when Dani and I unofficially became their Public Relations team and journalist for the year.
As we head deeper into the ice rink we notice the place is a sea full of Dragon’s colors with stalls upon stalls of merchandise. Tank walks up to a table and grabs a stuffed Dragon wearing hockey skates and holding a hockey stick before grinning at me. “And to think all this shit started with you and Dani.”
I can’t help but laugh. It’s completely true. I’m about to make a sarcastic comment when a certain calendar catches my eye. “Ooooh, get me that,” I say, pointing it out.
Tank follows my eye line and groans when he figures out what I want. “Seriously? You’re going to make me ask this chick for a calendar full of naked dudes?”
“Uhhh… yeah.”
He rolls his eyes but does it anyway, then surprises me when he buys me a large foam finger and a Dragon’s blanket to keep me warm during the game. I reach up on my tippy toes and plant a quick kiss on his lips before we start searching out our seats.
“Do you think we could screw in the locker room like we used to? “ I ask as we start climbing the grandstand.
“Might be a bit weird, seeing as though we don’t know any of them,” he comments as though the suggestion had actual merit, though, I guess it did. We have certainly had our way with each other in much weirder places.
“What might be weird?” A deep voice asks from behind us.
We turn around and find a grinning Jaxon leading his wife, Cassie up the stairs. Tank’s face instantly lights up as he comes down a step. “Hey, man,” he smiles. “Sophie wants to screw in the locker rooms.”
“Ah,” Jaxon laughs. “Some things never change.”
I roll my eyes but yeah, he’s right. “Don’t get me started on you,” I warn him.
He holds both his hands up in surrender and starts to make a snide comment when a throat is cleared from lower on the stairs.
“Come on,” Cassie says. “We got to keep moving.”
“Yeah,” Jaxon agrees. “We’ll catch up with you guys after the game?” he questions. “Maybe Micky’s?”
“We’ll be there,” Tank says as he takes my hand and starts leading me back up the grandstand. We find our seats and I get myself comfortable for what should be a great game. I pull my new blanket on and place my foam finger on my lap, ready to slip it on when the time comes. Tank busily texts Miller, making sure he’s good and jealous of our surroundings as I judge the pictures in this season’s calendar.
Chapter 15
Tank
Fuck, it’s good to be here.
Well, while the circumstances surrounding how I got here suck, it’s still great to be back in the place which holds so many great memories.
Five years ago, I never would have dreamed that I’d be sitting in this very grandstand, next to my sexy as hell wife as captain of the L.A Storm, cheering on the still undefeated Denver Dragons.
Fucking dream come true right here and at the risk of sounding like a damn pussy, I’m on cloud fucking nine.
The game finishes and I’m not surprised to see they took out the win and I must admit their team is fucking good, maybe even stronger than when Miller and I were there. Though, what did surprise me is when the team came out of the hole with Coach Harris bringing up the rear, he also had Shorty right by his side.
After the game, I grab Sophie and lead her straight down into the locker room, only getting through as it’s the same security that used to work here five years ago.
Sophie grins as we enter the locker room and she does what she does best. She makes herself well known to the team. I roll my eyes as she has the whole team eating out of her hand within seconds.
“Tank,” the old man says fondly.
I turn and find Coach Harris beaming at me as he makes his way across the locker room. He pulls me into a warm hug and my arms instantly fly around him. “Hey, Coach. How are you?”
“Not too bad, kid,” he smiles. “What about you?” he asks as his eyes quickly flick towards Sophie. “I heard you guys have been going through a bit of a rough time.”
“Yeah,” I say. “It’s been pretty shit, to tell the truth, but we’re coming out the other end.”
“That’s good to hear, son. How’s Sophie though? She’s all healed?” he questions.
“Mostly,” I tell him. “Her ribs are still giving her a hard time but she won’t admit it,” I tell him.
He shakes his head in exasperation. “She’s always been damn stubborn,” Coach Harris murmurs.
“Ain’t that the fucking truth,” I reply as an ear shattering squeal is heard from behind me. I turn just in time to see Sophie flying across the locker room and into the arms of Shorty. “What’s this numbskull doing besides you in the coaches box?” I question.
“Haven’t you heard?” he says. “I’m retiring at the end of the season. Shorty is taking over as head Coach.”
“No shit?” I ask, as proud as ever of the little dipshit.
“Mmhmm,” Coach confirms. “I’m too old to be running around after dickheads like you for much longer and Shorty a great fit. The boys love him,” Coach says proudly.
Well, of course, the boys love him, Shorty is just that kind of guy.
I say my goodbyes to Coach Harris and make my way over to Shorty just as Jaxon makes himself known. “You fuckers hanging around here all night or are we going out to party?” he questions.
“Fuck yeah,” Shorty grins as Sophie looks at me with a beaming smile.
“Let’s get out of here,” I say, taking my wife by the hand and leading her out the door, right behind Jaxon and Shorty.
----------
The following afternoon, Sophie and I step off the plane. We head around to luggage claim and grab Sophie’s bag before making our way out to the parking lot.
“You know, as much as I love visiting the family, it’s good to be home,” I tell her with a gentle squeeze of her hand.
“I know,” she sighs. “I’ll miss them though, especially Zac. He seems to be holding out now that he’s older.”
“Eh,” I shrug. “It’s a guy thing.”
She rolls her eyes as I see my truck coming into view. I lead her towards it but she tugs on my hand. “What are you doing?” I question.
“My car is over there,” she says with a flick of her head.
“So? Mine’s over here,” I tell her.
“So?” she repeats in disbelief as she comes to a standstill in the middle of the pathway with her hands on her slim hips, making the people behind us have to detour around. “I’m not leaving my car here.”
“Well, I’m not about to let you out of my sight, especially not at an airport,” I scoff as I reach out for her hand. “I’ll organise for it to be brought home.”
“You can do that?” she questions with wide eyes as she happily takes my hand and allows me to lead her to my truck.
“I don’t know,” I grunt. “But for the right money, someone will be willing to do it.”
We get to my truck and I help her up into it before jumping in the driver’s seat. “How are you feeling? The plane didn’t mess with your ribs?” I question as we pull out of the carpark.
“A little,” she admits with a small cringe, “but it’ll be fine. We’ll be home soon and I can lay down.”
“Ok,” I murmur, satisfied with her answer.
“It’s probably time I set up my new phone and devices,” she comments.
“Ya think,” I grunt with sarcasm heavy in my voice. “Do you know how annoying it was waiting at the airport knowing I couldn’t just call you.”
“I know,” she sighs. “I’m sorry but on the bright side, I won’t be taking off on you like
that again.”
“You better not be or I’m going to have to chain your ass to the couch,” I tell her.
She grins over at me with mischief in her eyes. “Not the bed?”
“It’ll be a long chain, after all, I like taking you all over the house.”
She lets out a laugh that’s music to my ears. A sound that I will never take for granted again. After not hearing it for so long, I’ve made myself a promise to make her laugh as much as I possibly can.
“Babe…” I start, waiting for her to look over at me.
“Yeah?” she questions with creased eyebrows.
“Speaking of things you need to do when you get home…”
“Yes?” she prompts.
“You need to make things right with Dani. She misses her best friend and I’m sure Mia misses you, too,” I tell her. “You know, Dani is going through a hard time as well, her best friend went through something traumatic and she wasn’t able to be there for her the way she needed to be.”
“I know,” she sighs. “It’s just hard seeing her with Mia knowing I won’t get to have that. But I’ve been thinking about it a lot actually, I hate that she’s disappointed in me.”
“She’s not disappointed in you, she’s disappointed that she doesn’t get to be with you,” I say reaching across the center console and taking her hand in mine. She laces her fingers through mine before running her thumb across the coarse skin of my hand. “But as for Mia, think of her as your adoptive daughter. That kid needs her crazy aunty just as much as you need her innocence. Don’t shut her out because it’s hard.”
“I won’t. I promise,” she says. I look over at her and see nothing but the truth in her eyes. “I’m feeling much better thanks to you and I think I’m ready to be my old self again.”
“Babe, no matter what, you will never be your old self again. Neither of us will but I’m glad you’re trying.”
She gives me a tight smile as we pull up to our gate. I thumb in the code and soon enough, I’m out of my truck and helping Sophie down.
We walk to the front door, hand in hand and the sudden need to carry her over the threshold, bridal style takes over me. After all, I just got my wife back in our home which to me is definitely a cause to celebrate.
I scoop her up into my arms and she lets out a surprised squeal, yet her squeal isn’t voiced for long before my lips are crushing down on hers. “I’m so fucking happy you’re home,” I murmur against her lips.
Her hand comes up and she runs her nails through my stubbled jawline. “Me too,” she whispers with love in her eyes.
I adjust her so I’m taking her weight in one hand as I reach for the door handle but what I find has me frozen on the spot.
“What is it?” Sophie asks alarmed.
“Shhh,” I whisper as I gently set her on her feet. I push her behind me as I take in the cracked door. “Stay here,” I warn her as I pull my phone from my pocket and hand it back to her. “Call the police.”
“What,” she practically shrieks as she tries to keep quiet. “Why?”
“There’s someone here,” I tell her.
The fear takes over her face instantly and I know without a doubt she’s remembering the last time someone intruded into our home. I give her a gentle kiss on the forehead and remind her to make the call before I silently push the door open and creep into the house.
I’m halfway down the hallway when I notice someone behind me. I turn and find Sophie desperately trying to catch up to me. “What the fuck are you doing?” I whisper yell.
“I just… I couldn’t…. I’m fucking scared, okay. You can’t leave me out there alone,” she demands.
“What, and you think being in here is better for you?” I ask with a groan.
“No, being with you is what’s best for me,” she says with that little tone in her voice that tells me this is a no negotiation zone.
“Fine,” I grunt, “But you need to stay right behind me.”
She nods her head and practically glues herself to my back before clenching her hand into the fabric of my shirt. It makes it harder to sneak into the house but at the same time, I can’t say that I’m not grateful she feels safer and honestly, at least this way I know she’s alright.
We come past the kitchen where Sophie points towards the sink. I look over and notice a few dishes have been left unwashed which we simply never do. My eyebrows crease in confusion. What kind of weirdo breaks into a home and decides to cook up a fucking feast?
We continue into the house. The remotes for the tv are scattered across the couch and the bathroom door is left wide open. Fuck. We’ve been gone for like a day and a half, we couldn’t possibly have inherited squatters already?
We hear a noise that sounds like someone moving around the house and Sophie’s hand instantly tightens in my shirt.
“Our bedroom,” I tell her.
She nods her head in agreement before we make our way down to our room. I gently push the door the rest of the way open and creep on in.
My eyes widen in shock as I take in the scene before me.
A very naked Crazy Stalker Jill lays dead center of our rose petal covered bed, legs wide open with her hand rubbing furiously at her clit. WHAT THE FUCK?
Her eyes widen in surprise as she sees me before her. A beaming smile rips itself across her face. “Baby, I’ve been waiting for you,” she purrs as her hand continues. “Why don’t you come and joi…”
Her words are cut off and her eyes narrow to angry slits the second she realizes my wife is right behind me, poking her head around my side to take in the scene. “What the fuck is she doing here?” Jill questions as her hand is removed from between her legs and she sits up.
At that, the real Sophie comes alive and I let her fly. She steps out from behind me and takes over the show. “What the fuck am I doing here?” she questions. “What about you, you crazy fucking stalker? I’m his wife, you know the woman who married this fucker,” she says, hooking her thumb in my direction. “Now, let me spell it out for you. HE’S NOT FUCKING INTERESTED and besides, from the pathetic display I just saw, you definitely don’t have what it takes to keep this machine satisfied. Now get your shit and get the fuck out of our house, so I can start burning it down.”
“No,” I say intervening. Jill’s face lights up instantly with a smug impression which I cut down just as fast. “This shit has gone on long enough. Call the cops,” I tell Sophie. “I want this dealt with.”
“But…” Jill starts.
“No fucking buts,” I tell her as I grab what must be her clothes off the floor and throw them at her. “You and I are not a thing. Never have been and certainly never will be. You’re a crazy fucking bitch and you need to leave me alone, you hear me. This shit ends now.”
“You’re just saying that because she’s here,” Jill says as she gives Sophie a nasty look.
“No, I’m saying that because it’s fucking true. Now get your dirty ass dressed,” I say before taking Sophie’s hand and slamming the bedroom door behind us.
We sit on the couch as we wait for the cops to show up which as they are all pretty big hockey fans, they’re here in no time. I let them in and tell them where to find her. They bring her out in cuffs moments later and I notice her tear streaked face.
“I love you, Tank,” she cries as the cop leads her out of the house.
“Ugh,” Sophie groans as she looks to me. “I know you’re happy to have me home and all but I’m not staying here tonight. This whole place needs to be disinfected, hell, she might have even touched herself on this damn couch,” she says before thinking better of it and getting to her feet.
“Yeah, good point,” I say as I pull out my phone and text Miller.
Tank – Dude, long fucking story but we’re staying at yours tonight.
Miller – No problem.
An officer comes and talks to us. I give him the rundown of just how long this has all been going on. Exactly what she does, how often and what is said. It’s the
n that Sophie pipes up and admits that Jill has been sending her messages for the past two years, basically saying that she isn’t good enough and to back off her man, which naturally, she responded to each and every message.
The cops leave with a promise to set up the papers for a restraining order and I tell them I’ll be down in the morning.
The second the door closes behind them, I look to Sophie.
“What?” she questions.
“How could you not tell me she’s been messaging you?”
“How could you bring me home and not remember stashing a naked woman in our bed?” she quips.
“Sophie,” I warn. “This is no time to make jokes.”
“Fine,” she groans. “I just didn’t want to worry you. It was the same shit as she sends you, no threats or anything, just empty messages saying she loves you and you should be together.”
I let out a sigh as I take two steps to get to her. I put my hands on her hips and pull her into me. “And you didn’t think it was necessary to tell me?” I murmur as I press my lips to the soft skin of her neck.
“Not at all,” she replies as she readjusts herself so her lips are firmly against mine. I kiss her deeply as I lift her up off the floor. He legs wrap around my waist and I press her into the wall. She pulls her head back and gives me a cheeky grin. “What does this mean for naked cooking night?” she asks. “It better be fucking good after that.”
“Don’t worry, baby. I got you covered,” I promise her as I pull her shirt up over her head.
Her hand comes to the back of my neck and she pulls me in. “I love you, so much,” she says as her eyes look deeply into mine.
My lips catch hers and I kiss her intently as we rid each other of the rest of our clothes. She moans against me before I pull back slightly. “You are my fucking world,” I tell her as I slip inside her and blow her mind.
Chapter 16
Sophie
An idea hits me as Tank and I go about the house throwing our shit into an overnight bag to spend the night at Miller and Dani’s place. He looks up at me with narrowed eyes as he grabs the high heels I just tossed in the bag. “What the fuck do you need these for?” he questions.
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