EPILOGUE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C aroline sang her heart out on the stage and her fiancé sat front and center through her performance. Her father and Connie had left shortly after the spectacle on stage. A constant stream of strangers congratulated her after the show, reminding her of Nico’s celebrity status. With each person the reality sunk in a tiny bit more that she was engaged.

The band took the news well and even Brody gave her a high five. Any lingering feelings he may have had were gone. The way he looked at Maddy now caused her some concerns, but they were adults. They’d figure it out.

The only thing Caroline had to figure out was the fastest way into Nico’s pants. He’d been quiet in the truck since they’d left the bar. “Penny for your thoughts?”

He glanced over and her heart melted. This big hunk of man was all hers, now and forever. His wicked half smile sent the butterflies to flutter around her stomach. “Someone in the crowd recorded our engagement, and it’s gone viral. I had to turn my phone off with all the well-wishers. The guys are laughing at me and I’m not sure I’ll ever live that down, but you’re worth it.”

“Wow. That didn’t take long. I can’t wait to see it.” No wonder her father insisted on the spa day. She wouldn’t put it past him to have set that up, so he could spin it how he wanted.

“I was also thinking once I get you inside my house, I never have to let you go.”

Caroline reached over and placed her hand on the solid muscle of his thigh. “You’re really not going to disappear, are you?”

“Never. Have you thought about a date? Not to rush you or anything but I was thinking Valentine’s Day.”

She laughed, but he didn’t join in. “As in this year? That’s like two weeks away.”

“I would do it sooner, but we met on a holiday and its fitting we get married on another one. It’s a made up one, but its romantic, right? Plus, the team’s in town for a few days so I could help and we wouldn’t have to be apart right away. I know you’re young and maybe it’s too soon, but we’re old souls and the timing feels right to me.”

“Oh. You’re serious. I’m still getting used to the idea of marrying you.” She would have married him on the stage if she could have. She’d always felt years beyond her age and she met her match with Nico. A few weeks, a few days, the when didn’t matter to her. Caroline was ready to start her happily ever after. “Is this about us or getting traded?”

“I told your dad, I’d give up hockey if that’s what it took to get his blessing. Honestly, something snapped inside me when I couldn’t hold you when you needed me. Your tears for your sister broke me… or healed me. I knew from that moment on, nothing would ever stop me from being with you. Your dad knows my history with women, and he um… Let’s say I wasn’t his first choice for you. But I fucking love you. When I told him I had the ring, he said that changed everything. We could wait to get married if you want to, but I want the world to know you’re mine.”

“Good. Because I want the world to know you are off the market. Those hockey bimbos aren’t getting in your bed ever again.” Her hand moved over the seam of his jeans. “This is mine.” She undid the button and lowered the zipper. Out sprang a very thick and erect cock. Her mouth watered for a taste. She couldn’t wait until they got home, she needed him now.

“It’s yours, angel,” he hissed the last syllable as she bent over and took him between her lips. He kept his hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

She traced the ridges of his cock with her tongue. This beautiful man belonged to her. Caroline sucked him deep into her mouth and moaned her satisfaction as he jerked his hips. She loved the way he gripped her hair and forced her to take more. Giving him pleasure only heightened her desire. Every grunt and groan made her wetter. He’d once asked her what got her so wet she was dripping and the answer was him. The way he lost control and held nothing back when they were together.

“I’m coming,” he said, moments before the first wave coated her throat. She swallowed and sucked until every drop had been expelled. “I love you so fucking much. And honey, we’re home.” He killed the engine and then pulled her head up and kissed her mouth.

Their tongues met in the middle and the windows fogged. She loved him too. They would get to spend forever kissing and making love; making babies and happy memories. “Take me to bed and make love to me.”

He put his dick away, but didn’t bother doing up his pants. Within a flash he was at her door, carrying her up the steps to his house. The nineteen-sixties bungalow reminded her of the home of the Brady Bunch. Her mother had loved watching reruns of classic shows. It was the perfect family home and soon it would be her home.

“It’s customary to carry your bride over the threshold. Since you’ve agreed to be mine forever, we’re as good as married in my mind.” He set her down to unlock the door and open it. Then she was back in his arms. “Welcome home, angel.”

Her giggles were muffled by another kiss. Searing and passionate. He kicked the door shut and didn’t set her down again until they were inside his room. She couldn’t take in the décor or furnishings because they were too consumed with each other. Nothing else mattered.

Clothing fell away and so did any pretense of sleep. When his mouth moved down her over her breasts and landed between her legs, she thought she’d died and gone to heaven. She leaned against the wall for support as he tossed a leg over his shoulder. He parted her folds and licked deep inside. Watching his head bob as his hair tickled her thighs sent a rush of endorphins straight to her clit. His fingers rubbed fast circles against that spot and a moment later she couldn’t hold back.

“Nico, right there. Yessss!” Her screams seemed louder in the empty house. Caroline gripped his hair and mashed her clit against his hand as he lapped up her climax.

He licked his lips and wiped his beard with his hand. “I love the way you come against my face, like you’re marking your territory. But I need to see those sexy hazel eyes expand as you grip my cock and come again.” He picked her up as though she were a pillow and tossed her onto the bed.

A second later he crawled over her, aligning their bodies. When they were face to face, he coated the head of his penis with her moisture. She tucked his locks behind his ears and looked into his eyes as he pushed his way inside. Her body welcomed him and sucked him in deeper. Caroline wrapped her legs around his waist and met him thrust for thrust.

“I love… ohh,” she squeaked when he hit her G-spot. He rammed the same sensitive spot until the room filled with her whimpers. “I’m so close.” She dug her nails into his ass, forcing every inch deeper.

“I love you,” he said and like a detonator, his words exploded inside her.

The orgasm washed away any doubt she had about spending her life with Nico. He was the only man she would ever connect with in this way. Her walls closed and contracted around him, pulling his release. As his seed flooded her womb, they kissed.

They made love for hours and managed a few hours of sleep before Nico’s alarm went off. He got ready, and she admired the sight of her fiancé transform from naked Viking to super sexy hockey professional. She also admired the exquisite princess cut rock on her finger.

He kissed the knuckle of that finger. “We don’t have to hide anymore, so will you come watch me play? I’m dying to get you to a game.” His request warmed her and sent a blush to her cheeks. “Can you fly out with me in a few hours?”

She was embarrassed to admit she hadn’t set foot inside an arena since her mom died. It’s not like she blamed the sport for her mother’s depression. But she’d kept her distance, giving her father ownership of that space. It was time to take it back, and she wanted to see him in action. “We’ve got studio time booked today and another gig tomorrow. But I promise to make it to your next home game.”

He jumped on top of her and kissed her. His expression so happy, her heart couldn’t help but soar to the moon.

“Thank you.” He nuzzled his nose against hers before getting up.

She rolled out of bed and wrapped the sheet around her body. Caroline followed him to the door, but wasn’t ready to let him go. As the diamond caught the light, she noticed his hand had no jewelry. None. That would change soon and the sooner the better. “Okay, let’s get married in two weeks.”

“Really?” He twirled her around and she nodded. “Soon to be Mrs. Ivarsson, you make me a very happy man.” He kissed her lips, and the feeling was mutual. The sorrow she’d once seen in his eyes was replaced with love; enough love to last a lifetime.

She knew he had to leave and catch his flight. It was only a matter of days before they’d be together again, planning a wedding. This time she kissed him. Hard, demanding and with the perfect amount of love. The kiss conveyed the kind of love that defied the rules and would never disappear.

 

 

 

 

 

Can’t get enough of Nicolas and Caroline’s story? An extended epilogue is available on my website in the Bonus section: