I feel the second climax approaching and realize this one is going to annihilate me. “I’m about to come,” I manage to gasp.
Saint bites the side of my neck as his pace grows erratic. “Your pussy is strangling me.” He pinches my clit, and I detonate from the slight sting.
Warm wetness fills me as he groans in my ear. He rolls to the side and drags my lifeless body with him. “I love you.” I’ll never tire of hearing him say those words.
“I love you, too.” He smiles against my neck before running his tongue around my earlobe. He shows me how much he loves me several times throughout the night. The next day, I grumble as my lady parts protest their excessive use from the night before.
Chapter Five
Saint
It takes some time, but I manage to persuade Gina to stay at my place almost every night over the next two months. My family loves my girl as much as I do, and they’re pressing me to make this relationship permanent. Although I agree, Gina has made her feelings clear. She needs a little longer before she’ll be ready to make that commitment. Her horrible childhood caused by her parents’ unhappy marriage has left her leery. After she tells me the entire story of her parents’ drug use and gambling and how she ended up in Riordan Cove, I decided that I’m going to find a way to erase all her bad memories and replace them with wonderful new ones. I may have my work cut out for me, but Gina is worth it. I’ll put in the effort to make my love mine forever.
Our relationship is healing the hole in my heart that losing my hockey career created. I still miss my teammates and the excitement of the sport, but I’m learning to adjust. Gina’s love is way more important to me than any career ever will be. Now, I need to figure out my future and find a way to make our relationship permanent.
Every time she mentions looking for a new apartment, I change the subject or remind her how easily she sneaks over to my place. So far, I’ve discouraged her from moving out of my parents’ guest suite. I plan to have her tied to me before she catches on to my plot.
Dare has been pressing me to take a job at Riordan Enterprises. Although I love my family, working in an office eight hours a day sounds like torture to me. My family worries about me, and I know I need to find another career, but business isn’t the choice for me.
I’m waiting for my laundry to finish drying when Payton comes strolling into my mom’s kitchen and smiles at me. “Hey, I was about to head to your apartment to talk to you.”
“I had to use the laundry machines.” I shrug. “I ran out of clean shirts,” I admit and watch her try to hide her smile.
Payton rolls her eyes before dropping onto a barstool. “You want to see my shocked face?”
I ignore her sarcasm and ask. “Why were you looking for me?”
“Principal Thomas asked me for your number. He wants to talk to you about the new high school hockey team.” She raises her eyebrows. “I didn’t give it to him, not yet. I wanted to check with you first.”
I sit next to her and rub my bottom lip. “He wants me to consult on it?” I ask, confused.
“No, I think he wants you to coach the team.” She holds up her hands and looks up at the ceiling.
I swore I’d never consider coaching, but now I’m not sure. “Yeah. I’ll talk to Mike. What the hell,” I decide before I give myself a chance to overthink it. I need to make some changes so I can put my ring on Gina’s finger. Finding my new career is the first one.
The next day, I meet Mike Thomas over lunch, and he offers me the head coaching position of the Cove High School Flyers. When Gina walks in after work, I grab her hand and pull her out the door. “Hey, what’s going on?” She laughs as I rush up the stairs.
“I’m anxious to talk to you.” I look over my shoulder and wink. I feel like a kid in a candy shop. This opportunity has broken me free of my past, and I’m able to offer my girl a future.
After pulling her into my living room, I spin around and kiss her soft lips. For a few moments, I forget about my news and enjoy having my girl in my arms. As she melts into my body, I reluctantly pull back and lay my forehead against hers. “I want to talk to you first, then celebrate afterward.”
Gina’s eyes light up as she rubs her hands together. “Well, tell me already.”
I lead her to the sofa and pull her down next to me. For some reason, I’m suddenly nervous. After lifting her soft hand up to my lips, I kiss the back of it and smile. “The high school principal offered me the position of head coach for the hockey team today.”
At first, Gina appears shocked, but then she stands and paces the room. “Uh.” She stops and looks around. “But you hate the idea of coaching.”
Sitting back, I glance at the ceiling and gather my thoughts. “I didn’t want to coach professional hockey in Chicago and leave you here.” She drops onto the sofa and stares into my eyes as I continue. “Over the last few months, I’ve fallen in love with you. I can’t stand the idea of traveling half the year and leaving you at home.” Gina shakes her head while I’m explaining. “Wait.” I wrap my hands around her soft cheeks and stare intently into her eyes. “I love you, and the thought of staying in hotels and eating restaurant food is unappealing. I’ve outgrown that life, and I’m ready for my future with you.”
She sighs. “What if you decide you miss professional hockey?”
As worry clouds her bright blue eyes, I kiss her nose and smile. “Whether or not I found you, returning to professional hockey wasn’t in the cards for me. This job is going to be a challenge. I’ll be creating the team from the ground up. We’ll be ready for next school year.” Understanding enters her gaze. “Loving you has given me something way more important than any game to concentrate on.”
Gina returns my smile before throwing her arms around my neck. “You know I love you, too.” As her teeth nip my skin, electricity flows through every molecule of my body. “You’ve made me so happy.” She lays her head on my shoulder and sighs.
“I plan to make you even happier in the future.” I lift her chin and smile down at her. “We have an appointment Saturday with a realtor.” Her eyes widen, and I kiss her nose. “I want you to sleep in my arms every night.”
My parents nearly jump for joy later that evening when I tell them my plans. I see relief pass through my dad’s eyes, and I realize he’s been worried about my future ever since my injury.
Chapter Six
Saint
When we pull up outside the second house on our list, Gina’s eyes light up, and I know this is the one. The two-story Colonial has been vacant since the owners moved a couple of months ago, and I’m planning to negotiate a quick sale.
Gina’s excitement grows as she rushes from room to room. “This is perfect.” She turns and throws her arms around my waist and sighs. I’m inclined to agree with my love. With five bedrooms and four baths, we’ll have plenty of room for the handful of kids I’m planning to have with my girl.
“The backyard is perfect for a swing set, and the privacy fence will keep in any size dog,” I agree.