Chapter 47 Lincoln
LINCOLN
I’ve woken up at the same time every morning since I was a kid.
But this morning, there is one significant difference.
Parker.
She’s curled up beside me with her ass resting against my morning wood and her back pinned to my front.
I’m pretty sure it’s the best morning I’ve ever had.
I stay still, not wanting to wake her but needing a moment to enjoy this.
I didn’t plan on slipping into her bed last night, but the second I heard her crying, I didn’t know what else to do.
She needed me. Okay, so maybe she didn’t need me exactly, but I was the only one here who could support her, and there was no way I was turning my back and letting her sob alone.
Honestly, I expected her to turn me away the second my knee pressed against the mattress. But to my surprise, she relaxed into me. And even better than that: her sobs subsided.
I helped.
Pride flows through me.
But what is this morning going to bring?
If she were to wake up, would she freak out that I’m here?
Or would she be happy?
Will she even remember it?
That question causes pain to cut through my chest.
I close my eyes and hold her a little tighter, committing all of this to memory.
With a heavy sigh, I prepare to slip away from her. As much as I’d love to stay here until she wakes up, I need to get to the arena.
I’ll see her in a couple of hours. She’ll be at the bench during our morning skate. She’ll have her eyes on me. Okay, for a whole other reason than why I really want her looking at me, but I’ll take anything I can get right now.
My heart jumps into my throat as I go to slide my arm from around her waist. “No,” she mumbles sleepily before she grips onto me tightly.
She wants you here.
Suddenly, I feel like I’m being ripped in two. I want to be here with her. I want it so fucking badly. But I have a meeting with Coach. He’ll rip me a new one if I miss it.
But Parker…
She wriggles against me, her ass putting the most perfect pressure against my aching cock, and I have to bite down on my cheeks to stop me from moaning.
She’s asleep. She has no idea she’s doing this. But damn, I’m not likely to forget.
I count to thirty in my head, and then I try again. This time, my arm slips free, and I’m able to carefully roll away.
I swear I don’t breathe until I’m standing beside her bed, gazing down at the sleeping beauty before me.
She’s shoved the sheets down so they’re only covering her calves, leaving the rest of her exposed. My eyes run up her muscular thighs, pert ass, and over the dip of her waist. The sight does nothing for my boner.
Swallowing thickly, I continue up. Her tank is bunched up and resting just beneath her tits, allowing me to slide my eyes up her toned stomach before I get to the swells of her breasts.
The fabric covering her is all twisted up, but not enough for me to see anything.
It’s for the best; I’d feel like even more of a perv if I could really see anything.
It’s bad enough I’m standing here and getting my fill like this.
Silently, I stalk around the bed, my erection straining against my boxers. I should leave and remove the risk of her waking up and looking directly at it, but I’m not ready for this to be over yet.
When I get to her side of the bed, I drop to my haunches and just look at her.
Her eyes are closed, her pale lashes resting on her slightly pink cheekbones. I can’t help but wonder if even unconsciously she’s a little turned on from our snuggling. Damn, I hope so. What I wouldn’t give to stay in bed with her and see if she needs some kind of relief…
My attention drops to her lips. Her full, parted lips. I can’t help but to drag my tongue across my bottom one as memories of our kiss last night slam into me.
The second her mouth pressed against mine, I was powerless but to fall into it with her. I’ve craved it for so long. Nothing could have convinced me to pull back, even though I knew I should have done so.
I keep saying it, but I really don’t think Parker understands that when I say that I’ll give her anything, I really fucking mean it.
Unable to stop myself, I reach out and tuck a loose lock of hair behind her ear.
It’s a risk, and I’m pretty sure I stop breathing as I do it, but the temptation to touch her is just too much.
Finally, I glance at the clock on her nightstand and find exactly what I was expecting.
Hanging my head, I force myself to stand, and after allowing myself one more look at her, I walk out of her bedroom.
The second I’m in mine, I drop my boxers, kick them toward the laundry basket, and march toward my shower, naked, with my hand already wrapped around my cock and images of how this morning could have played out clear as day in my mind.
Coach tries to catch up with all of us once a month to check in. It’s become normal over my time with the Vipers, but that doesn’t mean sitting in the chair before him in his office doesn’t send nerves rattling through me every time.
Deep down, I know he’s just checking in. But there’s always a risk I could be told I’m about to be traded to the other side of the country.
I was unbelievably lucky to be called up to play for my dream team from college. But it would be unrealistic of me to think that I’ll be here forever. I’d fucking love it if I could, but I need to keep my feet on the ground and prepare for the day this meeting isn’t just a catchup.
Thankfully, today isn’t the day. Instead, we’ve chatted about our current performance, our upcoming games, and predictions on how the rest of our season is going to go. It’s nice. Really fucking nice. Because it reminds me of times gone by with my dad.
I’ve never told Coach just how important he is to me, or how much I respect him.
Not only was he an unbelievable player, but he’s a fantastic coach who puts all his players and the staff around him first, and of course, he’s an incredible father.
Everything he’s built here, he’s done as a single father after he lost his wife, and Casey, her mom, when she was young.
Really, he’s a fucking legend, and I’m proud to be a part of his roster—I’m also incredibly relieved that he saw enough in me to want to have me as part of his Vipers’ family.
As our conversation draws to a close, I prepare to head back downstairs to hit the gym before our morning skate session starts. I scoot to the edge of the chair, ready to stand, when he hits me with a question I wasn’t expecting.
“How’s Parker doing?”
I hold his eyes as a soft smile pulls at my lips.
“She’s…she’s doing okay. Really loving her job, but the stress over her apartment and everything is bringing her down a little.”
“I can imagine,” he says, clearly aware of the situation. “Has she said anything to you about other members of staff causing her issues?”
I narrow my eyes. I was already suspicious that something had happened. She’s made a few comments, but she hasn’t even wanted to name anyone.
“I’ll take from your silence that she has.”
“She’s alluded to some things, but I don’t know anything more than that.”
Coach nods. “It’s twenty-twenty-five. Women have a huge part to play in professional sports, and I refuse to entertain anyone who doesn’t have the same opinion. Parker has been a great addition to our medical team, and—”
“She’s incredible. And I’m not just saying that as her friend. The guys all love her, and if they had their pick, they’d all have her working on them over Mitchell.”
Coach raises one brow, and it’s all I need to know.
“Thank you, Coach. This has been a very informative meeting.”
“Don’t do anything stupid, Storm.”
“Protecting my girl is never stupid,” I shoot over my shoulder.
When Coach doesn’t respond, I spin around to look at him. I find a wide grin on his face, excitement glittering in his eyes. “Parker’s good for you, Storm. Don’t let her get away.”
My heart slams against my chest as silent understanding passes between us.
“Fuck,” I breathe, dragging my hand down my face. “She’s not…she’s not there yet,” I confess.
I haven’t breathed a word about what’s developing with Parker to anyone, and I can’t lie, it feels good to have someone to confide in.
“These things take time and patience.” He gives me a hard stare, well aware that the latter isn’t something I’m particularly good at.
“Thanks, Coach. I really appreciate it.”
“Any time. My door is always open.”
Emotion burns behind my eyes as I nod and slip out of his room.
Time…
If it means I’ll eventually be able to call her mine, then I’ll give her all the time in the world.
The temptation to go straight to the training room the second I know she’ll be in is strong.
After what Coach said—or didn’t say—about Mitchell, all I want to do is sit in there with her and protect her.
She doesn’t need it. I know that. She’s more than capable of fighting her own battles. But fuck…she shouldn’t have to.
My internal battle over how to handle my newfound knowledge is written across my face as I march into the locker room. Fletch and Killer take one look at me and retreat, as if I am about to go at them.
Thankfully, they leave me to myself so I can get dressed and head out, although I don’t miss their questioning glances or those of the rest of the team.
Kodie is the first one brave enough. “Everything alright, man?” he asks as we step out onto the ice.
“Yeah, no. I don’t know,” I mumble like an idiot.
“Parker giving you hell, huh?” He chuckles.
“It’s not—” I cut myself off from lying.
Yeah, it’s Parker. It’s always fucking Parker.
Kodie smirks at me knowingly.
“Has something happened?” he asks.
I shake my head as I run through the events of last night and this morning.
Yes, something has happened, but I’ll be fucked if I’m sharing the details with anyone.
Dragging my attention from Kodie, I scan the rink.
She should be here. But she’s not—
My thoughts vanish as I spot her walking toward the ice with her iPad tucked under her arm.
She looks beautiful with her hair pulled back into a high ponytail, her makeup so light she might as well not be wearing any, and her sinful leggings and Vipers-issued vest to keep her warm while we train.
The sight of her has my pulse racing and my muscles aching with the need to rush over there and pull her into my arms.
Does she remember?
Not a second later, her eyes meet mine, and I get my answer.
Her smile is shy, totally un-Parker-like, and her eyes dance with secrets that only the two of us know.