CHAPTER FOURTEEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T hey lost game two. Montreal had rallied and won with a score of four to one. Luka left without a word. With the kids in tow, she couldn’t sneak down and see him. It was late. She knew his team was flying home right after the post game media, but it smarted not to be near him or talk with him.

Despite him telling her they were all right the night before, something felt off. A text instead of a call goodnight confirmed her suspicions. She wrestled with the desire to pester him about their relationship or leave it alone for one night. He had enough on his plate, and she didn’t want to add to his frustrations. The latter won, and she tossed and turned all night because of it.

The morning routine helped her forget her problems and focus on tangible tasks. Rianne’s silent brooding continued through breakfast. Every time she tried to initiate conversation, she got the hand. The boys laughed, thinking it was hilarious and copied their sister.

She waited with Wayne for the school bus. The heat and humidity caused her hair to frizz. He gave her a big hug before getting on board. His smile was contagious. He wasn’t oblivious to the tension, but so far, it hadn’t affected him. He was still a happy-go-lucky kid. She waved as the bus drove away.

Silence greeted her as she stepped in the house. Rianne tied the laces on her boots and grabbed her bag. Jill stood by the door, watching her.

“You’re in my way,” Rianne said, stepping towards her.

“If you don’t change your attitude, you won’t be coming to the next game,” she replied, opening the door for her daughter.

“You don’t get to make that call,” Rianne fumed. “I’m allowed to see my father. Why are you being such a bitch!” She stomped her black boot against the tile.

“Excuse me.” Her face heated and her grip on the door tightened. “You better check your attitude and get over yourself. I love you, but I won’t tolerate being treated like garbage. I know you’re struggling with the changes in our family but lashing out at me isn’t fair.”

“Fair! That’s rich. You only think about yourself,” Rianne screamed. Her hands balled into fists as if she might strike her. Instead, she stepped back and shoved them in her pockets. “Know what, it doesn’t matter.”

Jill blinked away the tears and swallowed the lump in her throat. “I’m so sorry you’re hurting, my girl. You and the boys mean everything to me. Your happiness is more important than my own. I wish you knew the whole story. I wish you understood, how every decision I’ve made has been for you.”

“Stop. I can’t do this with you. I have school.” Rianne dropped her head. “If you wanna divorce Daddy, then do it. He can do better than you. We all can.” She shuffled past her.

Her mouth opened, but no words came. Her heart had taken the beating of a lifetime. A physical blow would have hurt less. She couldn’t catch her breath as she watched her daughter march down the sidewalk and disappear out of view.

Clutching her chest, she let the tears fall. This was all Terry’s fault, but somehow, he’d become the hero and her the bitch. That had to end. The truth, no matter how ugly, needed to come out. Protecting him at her own expense no longer made sense.

“Mommy, I finish picture,” TJ yelled from the dining room.

Jill smoothed away the tears and closed the front door. No one ever said being a mother was easy. “I can’t wait to see it.”

Her day never recovered from the tumultuous start. Luka refused to take her calls. He responded to her messages with one-word text messages. It wasn’t enough.

The only calls she received were from Terry. She never answered. He left her one message, reminding her his parents were traveling to Winnipeg for the next game. Terry believed he played better when he had more support watching him. The next message involved a lot of sappy love talk. She deleted it. When her head hit the pillow, she felt worse than she had the day before. Something had to give, but she wasn’t sure what.

Their flight was first thing in the morning and Jill was glad to have the Manor’s there to help with the kids. It gave her an opportunity to be with Luka. At least, she hoped to see him before the game. Once they were checked into the hotel, she called Luka and crossed her fingers.

“Hello,” he answered. His tone was flat.

The terms of endearment she’d become accustomed to hearing were missing. She second guessed her decision to call him. “It’s good to hear your voice.” Even if it lacked emotion, at least he’d answered. “I want to see you. Um, I would have come to your place but realized I don’t know where you live. I’m in Winnipeg.”

A long stretch of silence followed. Jill clutched her phone and held her breath. She’d gambled on inviting herself over. Now, it seemed like a mistake.

“It’s not a good time to talk. I’m on my way home for a rest, but you could come. Unless—”

“I’d love to come to your place,” she said before he gave her a reason not to. “Give me the address and I’ll be there as quick as the taxi can get me there. I miss you.”

The line was quiet. With each second her heart thundered and her faith in them diminished. If he didn’t want her anymore, she wished he’d just say it. Not knowing was driving her insane.

“Jill, I will text you the address. See you soon.” He hung up.

The abrupt ending sent her in a tailspin of doubt. Her phone beeped a moment later with his address. She stared at the device, unsure what to make of their conversation. Regardless of the fear bubbling in her gut, she needed answers.

His place wasn’t far from the hotel. Only three minutes by foot. She practically ran, not wanting to waste a minute of time with him. Knowing he had a game to play in a few hours, he needed to rest. Her visit would be quick.

His building was next to the river, and she waited anxiously for him to open the door. When he did, her heart raced. “Welcome,” he said, but didn’t reach for her. No hug or kiss. Nothing.

She stepped inside and looked around. The loft was open and painted with bold colors. It didn’t look like a bachelor pad. One of the paintings in the entryway had been one she’d considered purchasing. Their tastes were so similar she smiled.

“Your home is nice. How come you don’t live closer to your teammates? They mentioned the other night, most of them live near the University.” She sat on his couch, but he didn’t join her.

He stood several feet away. The divide seemed as wide as the ocean. Luka stretched his arms above his head. A patch of skin poked from under his shirt.

“I like to be at the pulse of a city. Living downtown gives me access to everything.” His hands rested on top of his head as he rocked on his heels. A nervous energy radiated between them. “Are you someone who prefers the city, suburbs or country?”

“I’m a city girl at heart.” She stood and walked towards him. “Cutting the grass for hours doesn’t appeal to me. I like having all the conveniences within reach.” She placed her hand on his stomach and lifted his shirt, getting a better view of his six-pack.

His hands remained glued to his hair as her fingers traced the outlines of his muscles. She followed the trail of hair to the top of his jeans. His body was so sexy. He’d told her no sex until the series was over, but surely, they could do other things. She wanted to test him and see if he still wanted her as badly as she wanted him.

She pushed him backwards a few steps. He moved with her until his back hit the wall. She licked her lips and ran her fingers along the top of his briefs. Heat radiated from him, feeding her hunger.

“I’m not here to steal your rest and relaxation time, but I had to see you. Did you miss me at all?” She dipped her thumb inside his underwear.

His head collided with the wall and he groaned. “I miss you too much,” he admitted.

“Then why are you avoiding me?” She gambled and undid his belt.

He closed his eyes and kept his hands up. “Because you need space. After you left, I ahhh,” he moaned as she lowered his zipper and squeezed his cock. “I realized you are right. Patience isn’t my strength.”

She loved the smooth skin in her hand. “I like hearing I’m right, but I’m not a patient person either,” she said, increasing the speed of her movements.

“Don’t stop.” He thrust his hips against her hand. “You confuse me, and I can’t afford complications right now.”

“What’s confusing?” She dropped to her knees, pulling down his pants and underwear at the same time.

“Jill,” he breathed and widened his stance.

“That I love you.” She licked the bead of precum from his tip and continued to stroke him. “That I can’t get enough of you.” Her eyes locked with his as she swallowed the crown.

His hands dove into her hair, pulling her against him. “Keep going. More… take me,” he said, grinding his pelvis and forcing his penis down her throat.

She inhaled and took as much as she could fit. He wasn’t even halfway in when he slammed against the back of her throat. Her gag reflexes protested but relaxed after a few minutes. She used her hands and her mouth to pleasure him. Luka shivered when she grazed him with her teeth. The harder she sucked and squeezed him, the more he moaned.

“Get ready,” he announced seconds before the first splash hit her tongue. “Yes! Don’t stop.”

She had no intention of stopping. Watching him come undone was heady. His body shook as he poured himself into her mouth. She swallowed every drop. Luka stared at her, pulling her hair in all directions while she licked him. His pleasure mingled with hers and she smiled.

“Damn. That was amazing.” He smiled back and let go of her hair. “You realize if I win tonight, you’ll have to do that before each game.”

She chuckled. “Gladly.”

“If I lose, you won’t be coming near my cock until I have the Cup.” He pet her head, smoothing the rats nest he’d created.

“Then you better not lose.” She lifted his pants and kissed his cock before tucking him away. Rising to her feet, she winked.

He spun her around so her back hit the wall and then he kissed her. He devoured her lips. She opened, and their tongues circled and danced. His kiss filled all the silent moments they’d shared. He loved her. There was no more doubt and no more fear.

“I love you,” she panted. “Please, don’t take my need to move slow as me not wanting you. That’s not the case.”

He leaned on his forearms, caging her in. His dark eyes drilled into her. “This confuses me. Slow meaning what? Don’t touch you. Don’t tell you how I feel. I don’t—”

She kissed him. Clutched his head in her hands and kissed him hard, bruising her lips and his. “Touch me. Love me. I want it all. By slow, I mean integrating our lives. Telling the world we’re together.”

He closed his eyes, shutting her out. “I won’t be your secret.” Luka pushed off the wall, leaving her stunned.

“I don’t want to keep us a secret.” She licked her lips, hoping to find moisture. There was none. “I need time to plan the best way to tell my family. I’m struggling with Rianne. She’s in a fragile place right now. I’m afraid what your introduction would do.”

He shook his head. “The best plan is to be honest.”

“You’re right.” She crossed the room and hugged him. “I’ll tell them. I promise. After the game, we’re heading home. But I’ll see you again in Montreal tomorrow. If you want to?”

“Yes. Thank you,” he said, holding her close.

Jill left a few minutes later with a spring in her step. There were many hard conversations ahead, but once it was all out in the open things would improve. They had to. These thoughts rooted in her brain for the next few hours as she hung out with her family. 

They made their way to the game. The same exhilaration and excitement filled the arena. Once the game started, her heart jumped into her throat. She watched as Luka pulverized Terry.

It was a bloodbath.

Each time the puck hit his stick, Luka slammed him into the boards. At one point in the third period, the two dropped their gloves and went at it. She couldn’t hear over the roar of the crowd. They exchanged words and were both sent to the penalty box. Both men stared at her as the minutes counted down. Her eyes bounced back and forth between them. Luka smirked, and Terry grimaced.

It was his job to secure the puck and stop the opposition. Luka was an enforcer. He used his size to his advantage, but that was personal. The way he went after Terry was hard to stomach and Jill felt responsible.

Winnipeg won. Luka was one step closer to the Stanley Cup. Only, his actions in the game caused her anguish. For the first time since they’d met, she found something she didn’t like about him. She wasn’t sure what to do about that. It’s not like she could tell him to leave Terry alone. They were both fighting for the championship. She didn’t know what to say, so she said nothing.