I’m lost in his eyes for a moment.
“Imagine finding someone you can click with like that? Someone you can love forever, someone you can tell: I’ll support you, protect you, and cherish you to the best of my abilities.” His silky voice stirs something deep inside me.
“How do you even know a love like that exists?”
“Easy, my mom Sylvie had a love like that. She was married to Henri for twenty-eight years before he died. He passed away before I was born but she still talks about him every day. She vowed never to kiss another man and to honor her marriage vows until the day she dies.”
“Wow, that’s so beautiful.”
“She said she’d never love another man until I came along a year later. She tried to have children with Henri but it never happened for them. When she reached her forties, she accepted that she would never be a mother. After Henri died, she decided to travel around the world to teach French. It wasn’t long after moving to New York that I came along. She said I was her miracle—a sign from the universe that Henri was watching and sending her a gift.”
I smile.
“That’s how I know love exists,” he says, looking out at the bay. “They loved each other so much.”
“Can I make a confession?” I ask.
He nods.
“I’ve never really thought about marriage before. Having divorced parents makes you a bit jaded about the idea of marriage.”
“You? Jaded? Never.”
I give him a playful shove.
He looks over at me. “I know this might sound obvious but sometimes our parents give us a blueprint of what not to do.”
“I’m not planning on starting my own marijuana grow-op if that’s what you’re implying.”
He laughs. “You’re funny.”
I smile as I finish the last of my margarita.
We both watch the water for a moment, listening to the sound of crashing waves.
I not-so-subtlely shift over a bit so that I’m slightly closer to him, close enough to feel the heat coming off his body.
“I’m glad I came out here with you,” I say.
He reaches his arm around me and gently pulls me against him. His body instantly warms me, protecting me from the cool autumn air. I can smell his cedar scent and the beer on his breath.
Looking up, I find myself looking right into his dark eyes.
“Oh, hello.” He smirks. His voice is deep and sexy.
“I like you,” I whisper. The words hang in the air between us.
Smiling, he leans his forehead against mine. “I really like you.”
I feel the warmth of his breath on my lips.
“I’m waiting for you to kiss me,” I say in a soft voice.
He smiles. “You’re bossy, you know that?”
“Are you going to kiss me or what?”
Leaning in, he presses his lips against mine, kissing me sweetly and softly. Chills run up my spine as I lose myself in the sensation of it all—the taste of beer on his tongue, his natural masculine scent, the scratch of his scruff against my cheeks, the heat of his body against mine. The waves crash in the distance as our heavy breathing takes over.
Repositioning my body, I press against him, fitting more comfortably in his arms. He begins kissing me harder, deeper. His lips travel down my neck as his scruff brushes across my skin. I drop my head back as his hands find my waist, my breasts.
His lips find my ear again.
“I want you,” he says in a whispered growl. I can feel the bass of his voice vibrate deep inside me. “I want you now.”
“Where?” I ask. “Out here?”
“Wherever you’ll have me.” His voice sends a thrill through my body. He pulls me against him, kissing my neck ferociously. My body is pounding with every heartbeat.
I look around. I’ve been to this beach a thousand times. I know every nook and cranny around here.
“Come,” I say.
I pull away long enough to disrupt his kissing spree. Grabbing his hand, we get off the rocks and climb down to the sand. Jack hops down first. The sand is so dark I can barely see the ground.
Jack holds his hand out, taking mine as I take a leap and jump down onto the sand next to him, pushing him over.
“Oops.” I laugh.
He doesn’t get up. Instead, he remains resting on the sand. He tugs at my skirt, pulling me down so that I’m straddling him.
“This isn’t the spot I had in mind,” I say.
“Is this where you leave all the bodies?”
“No, only yours.”
“You scare me sometimes,” he says.
“Good.” I smile as I push my hands into his chest.
He pulls me down so that he can kiss me again. I can feel the power of his body between my legs. He’s hard for me, I can feel it.
Feeling impatient, I get up and pull him up with me.
“Come on.”
I lead him to a part of the cliff face that curves away from the beach. It’s a little secret spot about the size of a phone booth that’s hidden from anyone on the beach. I usually use the spot as a place to hide my clothes and phone when I go for a swim but tonight it’ll serve a very different purpose.
Jack wastes no time lifting me against the rock wall which has been smoothed down by years of ancient waves. He uses his hips to pin me against the wall as his hands reach under my skirt, warming my thighs as he grabs me, touches me.
“Jack—” I run my hands through his soft hair.
He’s pushing the fabric of my dress down off my breasts, exposing them to the salty ocean air. My skin glows under the light of the waxing moon.
Jack looks up at me with hungry eyes.
I can feel him pushing hard between my legs, only a few layers of fabric separating us. He’s pulsing slowly against me.
I want this. I want this so bad. No, not this. Him. I want him so bad.
“Touch me,” I whisper.
He lowers his head and kisses one of my breasts as I lean back against the rock and arch into him. His tongue does magical things to my nipple. I feel extremely free as I look up at the star-filled sky and the pearly-white moon.
Wanting to touch him, I try to get my hands under his shirt. He helps me by unbuttoning it and pulling it off so that he’s shirtless. I touch his broad shoulders, caressing his soft skin. As my hands explore his body, I let out an involuntary moan. This causes him to press slightly harder between my legs.
Reaching down, I unbuckle his belt and push his pants out of the way, enough so that he’s just as naked and vulnerable to the elements as I am. His fingers find the spot between my legs and he fiddles with my underwear, pulling them out of the way.
“Jack—”
He presses his dick against me so that we’re skin on skin. As he slips against me, teasing me, I drop my head back and moan up at the sky.
“I’m going to take my time,” he whispers in my ear.
“Just do it.” I feel him teasing me.
“I just want to torture you the way you torture me.”
“Jack,” I beg, grabbing at his biceps as I hold myself up against the cliff wall. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place—literally.
He grins with satisfaction as he guides himself against me, slowly pushes deep inside. We both exhale in satisfaction. I relax against him, my breasts pressing against his chest as I wrap my arms around his neck.
He nuzzles his face against my neck as he bites at my skin. The gulls caw in the distance.
Once we’re settled against one another, he begins moving his hips with expert rhythm, moving against me like the waves on the shore.
I feel more connected to Jack than ever out here under the moon where nobody but the birds and the stars can see us.
Fulfilling his promise of taking his time, Jack holds me on edge every time my breathing becomes too frantic.
“Jack, please.”
He smirks again. “I just like hearing you say my name.”
“You’re
going to regret this,” I whisper as I press my nose against the shell of his ear.
“I can’t wait to see what you’ll do to me,” he says seductively. “I have a feeling I won’t regret it at all.”
“Jack.”
He stops playing and finally tenses his body, using his hips to push me back against the wall. We move in sync with one another, tuning in to each other’s vibrational energy and rhythm.
I can smell his musk. I can taste the salt on his neck. My body shakes with pleasure as Jack stares into my eyes. I feel connected to him in a way I never thought possible. I want to be the one who cherishes him. Forever.
Sensing that I’m on the edge, he pushes me a bit further until I fall.
Jack holds me against his body as waves of pleasure radiate through me. I’ve never felt this close to ecstasy. Curling my toes, I dig my fingers into his back and bite his shoulder in an attempt to prevent myself from screaming out as the orgasm takes control of my body. When all my energy is spent and my muscles are shaking, I collapse against him.
“Jack—” I’m not begging anymore. My hands are in his hair as I rest my head on his shoulder.
“I’ve got you,” he whispers, holding me in his arms. He kisses my cheek and gently rubs his stubble against my sensitive skin. “I’ve got you.”
We remain in that position for a while, catching our breath under the stars as we hold each other. We’re a sweaty mess, our bodies glued together, but it feels good. Jack’s lips are on my neck as he inhales me.
“I could stay like this forever,” I whisper.
Jack traces his noses against my ear. “Let’s stay like this forever, then.”
JEMMA
Feeling like I’m on cloud nine, I blissfully drift my way through the next two days. It doesn’t matter that I’ve only had nine hours of sleep in the past three days, I’m running on caffeine, energy bars, and the aphrodisiac of a wonderful night with Jack.
Oh, Jack.
Just the thought of him brings butterflies to my belly and a smile to my face.
How can someone be so vulnerable and strong at the same time?
That night on the beach was one of the most magical nights I’ve ever experienced. There was just something magical and primal about being naked on the beach, exposed to the moon, the water, the elements, and Jack’s naked body. Jack’s naked soul. I can still feel the energy of our amazing night coursing through my veins.
The fact that Jack had to hit the road for the start of the regular season is a bit of a tease, but it only makes my longing for him stronger.
I laugh to myself. I’m using hockey terminology and everything. I’m truly a new woman.
After finishing all of that day’s yoga classes, I spend the day tidying up my apartment and singing to myself before strolling down Apple Tree Lane to meet up with Madison.
“Jemma!” She calls out. She’s sitting at a table outside Sun and Moon Terrace.
“Hey!” I wave as I take the seat across from her. It’s a chilly October day and we’re both wearing chunky sweaters and jeans.
Her eyes grow wide. “You got laid!”
“What?”
“That smile! I haven’t seen you smile that much since… well, since last week.” She smiles wickedly. “Jack again?”
I nod. “Of course.”
There’s no sense in being coy about it. The bonds between Jack and me are only becoming tighter. Everyone can see that.
After ordering a large coffee, I tell Madison all about our night on the beach.
“We were up so late that the sun started coming up. Isn’t that crazy? I can’t even remember the last time I stayed up that late just chatting with someone.”
“What did you guys talk about?” She sips her iced-coffee.
“Everything. Our families, our dreams, even our exes. He’s just so interesting.”
She watches me with her keen blue eyes. “You are so fucking in love.”
“What?” I laugh. “No, I’m not.”
“Whatever you say,” she says under her breath.
I’m lost in my thoughts for a moment.
Am I in love?
My heart certainly skips a beat—or two—every time I think about him. I get excited when I see a text from him. And I count down the hours until I can see him again. Maybe I am in love…
“When are you seeing him again?” Madison asks.
“He’s on the road right now but he’ll be back in a few days.”
My phone buzzes. I see Jack’s name. My heart quickens its pace.
Speak of the devil.
As Madison busies herself with her coffee, I check the text from Jack.
JACK: Hope you finally caught up on your sleep ;)
I smile to myself.
JEMMA: You’re the one who has to play the first real hockey game of the season in front of thousands of people.
JACK: I think I’m all caught up. Those cliff rocks were more comfortable than your tiny bed anyway.
JEMMA: Oh, come on. My bed’s not that bad.
JACK: I might need to test it out again to form a final opinion ;)
Smiling, I remain in my euphoric haze. I feel slightly annoyed that hockey is keeping us apart but I try to see it as a blessing. This is the perfect way to take things slow. The quickest way to ruin a relationship is to make plans for the future. But with no plans for the future, we can’t mess anything up. It’s the perfect situation. Attachment with no strings.
As my coffee arrives, I inhale the delicious dark blend aroma and take a long sip.
“Oh, that’s good.” I close my eyes, feeling the caffeine filter through my veins.
When I open my eyes, I notice Madison tapping furiously on her phone.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
“You said Jack didn’t sleep yesterday.”
“Yeah. And?
“And he’s playing tonight?” She looks up at me.
“That’s right.”
“So I’m betting on him to do horribly.”
“What?” I nearly spill my coffee. “How can you do that?”
“It’s this betting website from Vegas.” She holds up her phone showing me a screen with a bunch of names and numbers. “You can bet on anyone and anything.”
“No, I mean… how can you bet against my boyf—” I stop myself before I say the next word. “My Jack. How can you bet on Jack?”
I clear my throat. We haven’t used those words yet.
Madison raises her eyebrows. “Your Jack?”
I nod. “How can you bet against him?”
“That’s not what you said!”
“Madison! You’re being so annoying.”
She cackles. “Sorry but it’s fun. And I can bet on him in good conscience because you offered that information freely to me and I like making money.”
“Well, that’s not very nice.” I sit back in my seat and cross my arms. “It’s bad energy.”
“Are you going to watch him play tonight?”
I shift in my seat. “Well, I’m not sure.”
“Seriously? But I thought he was your bo—”
I give her a dangerous look.
“Your Jack,” she corrects herself.
“Well, maybe I’ll go to Barrels and Boots to watch. Join me?”
She nods. “Of course. And, um… you wouldn’t happen to have any more information about any of the other team members, would you?”
She holds up her phone and flashes it at me.
I narrow my gaze. “Don’t you even think about it.”
When the wind starts to get a bit cooler, we say our goodbyes and I make my way back to the studio. All the classes are done for the day and Naomi should be gone by now.
My phone buzzes.
JACK: Did you get my gift yet?
I stare at the text in confusion.
Gift?
I’m about to text him back when I arrive at the studio and see a large package on the front counter. My chest suddenly feels very hot
.
Flowers.
Not just any flowers. Red roses. A dozen of them!
I text him back.
JEMMA: Jack! They’re beautiful!
He sends back a smiley face.
JEMMA: But you didn’t have to…
JACK: I wanted to
Smiling to myself, I feel my cheeks burn. I admire the flowers again. This is the first time a man has ever sent me flowers.
Just like in the movies.
I text him again.
JEMMA: Good luck tonight
He texts back quickly.
JACK: Will you watch me?
I smile.
JEMMA: I’m making a reservation for Barrels and Boots right now
JACK: Wow! A reservation? It looks like we’re both experiencing a first tonight ;)
JEMMA: Where’s the eye-roll smiley?
JACK: lol
I laugh to myself.
Biting my lip, I look back at the flowers. Although we haven’t used any words for each other, it sure feels like we’re in that place. He’s sending me flowers and I’m watching him play hockey. And it’s not scary. In fact, it feels amazing.
I just have to make sure I don’t screw this up.
JACK
The energy is high in the Portland stadium. If I thought my pre-season games were big, this is bigger. This is when the games and points start to count. My big-league career starts here.
All the guys are excited, especially us rookies.
The game starts fast and hard. The Portland Wolves are a scrappy team. The players are small but they’re quick and highly skilled. The Blades are bigger and more brutish. Logan’s the only one who’s really nimble with his stick while the rest of us use speed and force, clumsily pushing the puck out of the Wolves’ possession.
During the first period, Austin, Connor, and I manage to set up our triangle position twice but both times I pass it to Austin, he misses the pass.
“Come on!” I urge under my breath.
The puck comes back to me. The other guys are in position but I see a path to the net. I take the shot. The Portland goalie slides out in front of the net and blocks it. The crowd cheers. I swear under my breath.
But the action is not done yet. The puck is still in play and it bounces right back to me. Before the puck hits my stick, I look up at Austin who isn’t aware that I’m about to have the puck.
Jack: An Enemies To Lovers Sports Romance (Bad Boys of Hockey Book 2) Page 19
