Their New Beginning (Oh Captain, My Captain #5)

by Lindsay Paige

  “I know that, but it makes me feel better.”

  “You need your agent here.”

  He shakes his head. “I’m doing this with you.”

  “What?” I squeak.

  “Yep, I need my wife by my side. Besides you understand contracts and what not.”

  “Okay,” I turn fully to him. “Have you recently suffered a concussion? The only contracts I understand are the small ones. This is a huge deal, Jax.”

  “That’s why you’re here.” He grabs my hand.

  Before I can open my mouth and try to talk some sense into him, Mr. O’Connell’s secretary comes out and calls for us. We go into the large office that has a beautiful view of the Las Vegas skyline.

  “Jax,” he shakes his hand, “and Mrs. Godwin.” Mr. Connell kisses both my cheeks. “It’s always lovely to see you.”

  I blush slightly. “Thank you.”

  “Sit and let’s talk.” He points to the small round table in the corner. Jax pulls the chair out for me, and I can see a large stack of papers in from of Mr. O’Connell’s chair.

  There it is. Jax’s contract. It’s either going to keep him here, or send him somewhere else. I don’t know what’s going to happen.

  “Now Jax, I will say that I’m surprised that you’re here without your agent. No offense, Mrs. Godwin.”

  I smile because I have to agree with him. Jax’s taking a large leap of faith right now, and I’m not sure how this is going to go.

  “I think we can discuss this as adults. I have Avery here; she’s all I need.”

  As much as my heart leaps with the joy at my husband’s comment, I still have the urge to slap him upside the head because this is his career.

  “Then let’s get down to it. Jax I don’t need to explain how proud of you we are here. We had a tough season last year, but this year, with your leadership and hard work, has taken us back to number one. That’s not gone unnoticed at all. We want you to stay here in Vegas, as a Gambler, and we want to ensure that you have the time to build a team you can continue to lead.. So we are willing to offer you an eight year contract, and we’ll pay you ten million dollars a year.”

  All the air left my body. They’re offering Jax eighty million dollars, and that doesn’t even count his endorsements. This is exactly what Jax needs to show that he’s worth it, and there shouldn’t be any self-doubt.

  “And if I turn it down?”

  My mouth drops as does Mr. O'Connell's.

  “Jax, are you thinking of leaving us?”

  “Not per se. I’m thinking of retiring,” he says boldly.

  “Retiring? Jax, no offense, but you’re at the prime of your career right now. Is this something you’re serious about?”

  “Yes.”

  I can’t believe what I’m sitting here listening to. I know that deep down Jax doesn’t want to retire. Hockey is his life. It’s his love. It’s his home.

  “Mr. O’Connell, please excuse me for being so rude, but could I have a moment alone with Jax?” I rush out.

  He looks between Jax and me, and I know he’s confused. He nods curtly and leaves his office.

  “What the hell are you doing?” I grit my teeth at him.

  “I told you that I’ve been thinking about this.”

  “Jax,” I shake my head. “That’s when you thought you weren’t getting a contract. Here it is,” I point to the stack of papers.

  “You’re my number one,” he firmly states.

  I search his face as he stares at me. Oh my God. This can’t be what this is about. I cup his face in my hands. “Are you doing this for me?”

  “I’m doing it for us.”

  I drop my hands. “That’s the sweetest and dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”

  “What?”

  “Jax Godwin, you want to give up your career to show me that you love me, right? You’re a damn fool because I will totally kick your ass if you do that.”

  “Avery-”

  “Stop. Last year was rough on us. I know it. I’ve made a mistake, and I almost lost you, but you can’t do this. You live and breathe hockey. This is where you shine. You’ve helped and inspired so many people, including me. You need to sign this contract.”

  Jax doesn’t say anything. He only stares at the table.

  “You could finish your career here. Everything is falling into place the way you’ve always wanted it. And if you don’t sign it, I’m taking you to the hospital to have your brain checked.”

  “Avery-”

  “I don’t want to hear it.” I raise my voice a little bit. “When Mr. O’Connell comes back into this room, you’re going to ask for a pen, and you are going to sign that paper. End of discussion. If you leave hockey for me, you will be miserable, and I can’t stand by and watch that.”

  “When did you become so bossy?” he smiles.

  “When I became your full-time assistant. This job is a bitch,” I tease him back.

  He laughs, a real laugh, and pulls me in for a kiss. It’s then that Mr. O’Connell walks back into the office.

  “Everything okay now?” he asks.

  “I needed some clarification, and Avery helped me with that. Sorry for the interruption.”

  Mr. O’Connell chuckles. “That’s why we keep our wives around, especially the good ones. They keep us in line.”

  Jax smiles at me. “That they do.”

  ~ ~ ~

  “Wake up, Mr. Godwin.” I gently drag my nails down his naked back.

  “It’s my day off. Why are you waking me up?”

  “Because we have a lot to do today, so that means get up.” I slap his ass playfully.

  He groans and opens his eyes. “You’re dressed?”

  “Yep. Hurry up.” I roll off the bed and head downstairs.

  I practically skip into the kitchen to finish the quick breakfast that I’ve made for us. The memories of this date overtake me. Technically, it’s not a date, but I’ve always counted it as one. It’s the most important one.

  I make Jax’s favorite, breakfast burritos. I give him two and a large glass of orange juice. It’s all waiting for him when he comes downstairs. He’s wearing a tight white T-shirt and light colored jeans. I try to stifle a laugh because that’s exactly what he wore for that date.

  “Eat up. It’s going to be a long day.”

  He shakes his head, but he does as I ask. I can barely finish mine because I want this day to go perfectly. I have it all planned out.

  When Jax finishes, I feverishly clean the plates, shoving everything into the dishwater. I turn to him, taking his hand, and leading him out the door, grabbing my jacket and purse along the way.

  “Okay, are you ready for our date today?” I ask getting into the driver seat of my car.

  “Absolutely. What are we doing?”

  I smile at him, but don’t say anything as I head toward the strip. We listen to the music playing in the car for a little bit. I’m relishing in his touch as he holds my hand.

  “Jax, this is date number seven.” I figured that he would remember. However, he doesn’t look like he has a clue. “Please tell me you haven’t forgotten what happened?”

  “Date seven? Do I know what happened?” he truly looks confused.

  “Jax, do you really not know?”

  “Believe it or not, it’s hard to keep up with all the fantastic dates we’ve had. Refresh my memory for me.”

  I shake my head. I shouldn’t be upset because he can’t remember every single detail of something that happened over five years ago. But, he should remember once I get closer to our destination.

  I drive until I see the top of the white steeple and pull into the parking lot.

  “Remember now?”

  Jax smiles at me. He looks at the wedding chapel that we were married in.

  “Clear as day. You want to see what Elvis has been up to since we left the building?” he chuckles at me.

  I throw my head back and laugh at his joke. He could always make me laugh.

&n
bsp; “Well, I actually thought we could renew our vows. You know, like starting with a clean slate. What do you think?”

  “It sounds perfect.” We jump out of the car and go into chapel.

  It looks and smells the same as when we were here so many years ago. The walls are white as snow, but the carpet is red. The first time I had saw it reminded me roses. There is a large arbor covered in cheap, faux flowers at the end of the aisle. I’m still surprised that that there are only four pews. I guess a lot of people don’t show up at these types of wedding.

  “May I help you?” There’s a nice looking older lady behind the welcome desk.

  Before I can say anything, Jax’s guides me over to the counter with him. “I want to marry this beautiful girl again.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Elvis has married us once again. Jax’s face is beaming as it did the first time we were married. To think that I almost lost him because of my stupid mistake, and now, we’re starting over again.

  When we get back to the house, Jax throws me over his shoulder, just like he did before. I’m giggling loudly as he carries me into the house and sits me on my feet.

  “I’ve missed that.”

  “What?” I ask. My cheeks are hurting from my smile that seems to keep growing with happiness.

  “That laugh. Your happiness. Us,” he lists. He cups my face and kisses me.

  It starts out soft and gentle as first, but our hormones take over and Jax tugs my shirt over my head and then picks me up.

  “Are we going to make it upstairs? The last time we ended up have sex on my living room carpet,” I remind him. We barely made it through the front door of my apartment.

  “Why break tradition?” Jax carries me into the living room and lays me right in front of the fireplace.

  Jax kisses my lips, down my neck, and unhooks my bra. I moan feeling his lips on my hot skin. I fist my hands in his hair. Jax sit up, unbuttons my jeans, and tosses them over his shoulder.

  “If I remember correctly, I made sure you got off this way first.” He smirks softly trailing his fingers up my thighs.

  “You did.” I giggle again.

  “It’s been awhile. Let’s see if I can do it again.”

  Jax softly bites my left inner thigh and then my right. He continues until I feel him lick me. I moan and arch my back. Jax pushes my legs open further and begins his assault on me.

  I begin to pant as he sucks on me harder. He slides in two fingers and I lift my hips pushing myself closer to him. I dig my fingers into his hair and I say his name over and over.

  “Jax, I need you.”

  “You have me.”

  “No,” I moan loudly. “Jax, please.”

  I hear him chuckle but he doesn’t let up. I feel my body tightening up, and when he sucks me again, I yell his name with my release. My body relaxes as Jax kisses my stomach and up to my lips.

  Before I have time to register what is happening, Jax pushes into me. I break from his lips and latch my arms around his back. Jax pulls out and pushes back in harder each time. I can feel the carpet burns on my back, but I don’t care.

  I wrap my legs around his hips. Jax lays his head in the crook of my neck and he’s panting my name. The sound of his husky, sex-filled voice is driving me more insane than I already am.

  “Avery, come on, baby.”

  His command is my undoing and I dig my nails into his skin, arching my back, and yelling his name. After one hard, quick thrust, Jax reaches his climax with me.

  “I love you, Jax Godwin.”

  “I love you, Avery Godwin.”

  ~ ~ ~

  After we shower, I order Jax’s favorite pizza, just like our first night of our marriage.

  “What do you think of the pizza?”

  “It’s amazing.”

  “I figure that you would enjoy it as much as the first time.” I stop and look at him. “Do you feel different after the renewal? I mean, I feel like we have a new beginning.”

  “Yeah, it feels better than the first time, if that’s possible. I’m glad we did this, Avery.”

  “I’m very thankful for the second chance, Jax. I don’t think that you know how much it means to me.”

  “You’re my wife and I love you. I wanted a second chance to do better, too.”

  My heart melts at his tender words. I know that he means it. As do I. I can’t lose Jax again. I love him too much.

  “Are you happy that you’re stuck in Vegas for another eight years now?”

  “I’m happier that you’re stuck in Vegas with me for another eight years and well, you’re really stuck with me forever. Are you happy about that?”

  “More than anything. Now,” I clasp my hands together. “I need to give you your renewal vow gift, or whatever they call it. Either way, here,” I practically shove the puck into his hands. “This is yours and I want you to look at it and know how much I love you, and how blessed we are to still be together after... everything.”

  “You…” Jax shakes his head with a smile. “Thanks. I love you, too, Avery. I guess now would be a good time to tell you about yours? I wanted like a do-over for our anniversary. Do you remember the charges for plane tickets? They are for a trip to New York this summer.”

  “Are you serious?” I ask him more enthusiastically than I meant. Between hockey and my previous job, we never made our way to New York for fun.

  “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be? Start making a list of everything you want to do, Avery, and we’ll go do them.”

  I giggle. “I’ll keep the musicals to one or two so we have time to do stuff you want to do too.”

  “I’ve been to New York before, Avery. This is your trip, and we’ll do everything you want, even if it’s a musical every night. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be there with you, so that’s good enough.”

  “A musical every night? Jax, do you know what you’re getting yourself into?” I tease him.

  “Yep. I’m getting a vacation with my wife. Maybe we should plan a second honeymoon while we’re at it. We can’t get married again and not have a honeymoon.”

  “We didn’t have a honeymoon the first time, remember? We got married, had sex all day, and then we went back to work the next day. But, a honeymoon sounds pretty awesome.”

  “I remember, but I counted it anyway. We’ll do that then.”

  I raise my glass to him. “Then here is to our new beginning and our happy ending.”

  “A new beginning and happy ending, always.”

  About the Authors

  Lindsay Paige is a romance author from North Carolina who has published nine books on her own. She is a huge hockey fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins and loves to play tennis. When not writing, Lindsay is focused on completing college.

  Mary Smith was born in Chicago, Illinois, but currently lives in West Virginia. She is an avid reader, co-founder of Book Nerds Across America, and author of the Ice series, Always Forever, and The Hockey Tutor. She goes nowhere without her cell phone or Kindle. Mary loves anything to do with Chicago Blackhawks, Patrick Sharp, or is hockey related!!

  Despite their love for different teams and players, Lindsay and Mary write sports romances to vicariously live through their characters and their experiences with these hot athletes. Together, they have also written The Penalty Kill Trilogy.

  For more information about Lindsay, like her on Facebook.

  For more information about Mary, like her on Facebook.

  Coming Soon

  The next two books in the Oh Captain, My Captain series will feature captains, Luca Zotov and Valo Manner. Luca's book, You and Me Forever, will release April 24, 2015. Valo's book, Tainted, will release May 21, 2015. Both are now available for preorder.

  To stay up-to-date on these future releases, like Lindsay's Facebook page or Mary's Facebook page.

 

 

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