Chapter 26
Willow
Brett left for his pregame warmup in an Uber so I could take his SUV to the game, since it has the car seat base. Now I am driving with Ms. Noble, Henry, Maddie, and Asher to Brett’s game.
“I’m so excited to watch Uncle Brett and Daddy play,” Asher announces.
“It’s a real treat for Grandma too. This is why I need to be living in the city. So we can all be together,” Ms. Noble says.
“Is this your first hockey game?” Maddie asks me.
“No, my brother used to play in the NHL. I used to go out to his games,” I explain.
“You’re used to this crazy world.” Maddie snickers.
“You could say that. I never dated a hockey player before. I kind of swore to myself that I never would.” I laugh.
“Funny how we can make all kinds of plans for ourselves and things never turn out the way you expect,” Ms. Noble states.
“That is very true, but I can’t complain,” Maddie adds.
“Things definitely have a way of working out for the best,” I agree. If I hadn’t had a one-night stand, I wouldn’t have had Maylee or connected with Brett, and they have been the best things to happen to me.
We arrive to the arena. I have Maylee dressed in a one-piece snowsuit and I brought some blankets along so she won’t be cold in the arena. Henry helps me get the stroller out of the trunk and we all head inside.
As we walk in, a small smile tips my lips and my cheeks flush as I remember my little interlude with Brett in his bedroom before he left for the game. He gave me his jersey and asked me to wear it to the game. I agreed but he had other plans, as in he stripped me naked and asked me to put on his jersey so he could fuck me while I was wearing it. We had to make it quick because his family only left our apartment for a short time to go back to their hotel to change and freshen up for the game tonight.
Brett bent me over the bed, smacked my ass hard enough that he said he left his print. Then he checked to see how wet I was and, boy, did he find me dripping for him because something about the way he smacks my ass in such a claiming way makes me all hot and bothered. Then he took me from behind as I leaned over the bed. He wasn’t gentle either as he plowed into me while tweaking my breasts and rubbing my clit. I was a goner in only a few minutes, screaming out in pure ecstasy. It’s crazy to think I had such a hard time achieving an orgasm before him when he delivers them so easily.
“Are you excited for the game?” Asher asks me, pulling me from my thoughts.
I swallow and lick my lips. “Huh, oh yes, very excited.”
We enter the arena early. It’s only family here now while the team warms up. We head down the steps close to the bench, and Brett skates over to us. He leans in and kisses my lips and he says hi to everyone. Kaleb comes over to say hi too.
“Hi, baby girl. Do you want to come meet the boys?” Brett asks Maylee.
“You want to take her on the ice?” I ask nervously.
“Willow, skating is pretty much like walking for me,” he reminds.
“Okay, yeah, sure.” I pass Maylee to him, and he takes hold of her, turning her so she is facing everyone. He holds her against his chest and skates away to show her off to his buddies. Watching the interaction is completely adorable. Brett is a proud father, and it shows. The guys come up to her and smile. Some of them shake her hand.
“I’ve never seen my son this happy before,” Ms. Noble says, coming up behind me.
I turn to look at her.
“He was always the responsible one. Taking care of Maddie and Henry. But he was always so serious. So focused on doing well in hockey. I worried about him being alone. I’m so happy he has you and Maylee,” she says, and she leans in, giving me a side hug.
“We’re lucky too,” I reply to her. When I say words like that, they shock the hell out of me. I’m terrified about what this relationship means. I’m fearful of us hating each other one day. But when I stop thinking of all the negative possibilities, and just live in the moment, I am happy and grateful for this man, who is turning out to be the best surprise of my life. Brett’s mom is right. He’s responsible and caring. He stepped up to be a dad without thinking twice.
She blinks and we both watch in awe as Brett skates around the rink with Maylee, showing her off to his friends.
He eventually circles around and brings her back to me.
“We need to head to the locker room,” he explains, and again he leans in to give me a kiss. I’m not used to all this PDA but, in a way, it feels like he’s showing the world I’m his and how could I have a problem with that?
“I’ll go nurse her before the game starts,” I tell him.
“Then come with me. You can sit in the media room or use one of the offices,” he offers.
“That isn’t necessary,” I reply, feeling nervous about going to an area where I’d be meeting all his teammates.
“Honey, it’ll be easier for you. And you can change her diaper easily on one of the couches,” he says convincingly.
I concede. He takes Maylee and her diaper bag since I am not stable on the ice. He holds her on one side and hangs on to me on the other.
“How is it you don’t know how to skate?” he asks.
“My father only taught the boys,” I explain.
“Hmm,” he says contemplatively but I don’t know what it means.
We head through the tunnel and finally arrive to a set of offices. “You can go in here.”
He passes Maylee to me and places the diaper bag on my shoulder.
“You good?” he asks, reading my nerves.
“How do I get back to our seats?” I ask. But it isn’t the real reason I’m on edge. Everything feels too perfect and that can’t be real.
“I’ll wait for you,” he replies.
“That isn’t necessary, it could take time. I don’t want you to be in trouble with your coach.”
“You’re nervous, I’m not leaving you,” he replies, shocking me.
“How can you tell?” I ask him.
“I can see you thinking hard. I know what it looks like now. What’s worrying you, Honey?”
I take a seat on the couch and lay Maylee down to remove her snowsuit. Then I lift my shirt and she latches on to me.
“Everything just feels so perfect right now. Your family is amazing, and they’ve welcomed me and Maylee with open arms. Things feel good with you, and it scares the shit out of me.”
Brett exhales and blows out a breath. Then he takes a seat beside me. He’s in his gear and it is close to the start of the game, and here I am laying it on thick with my issues.
“My family thinks your great and so do I. I get your reservations. I’m scared too. This is all new for me, and I am navigating things the same way you are,” he admits.
“But you aren’t terrified of being crushed or becoming mortal enemies like I am,” I remind him.
“True,” he replies. “But I get your fears. Besides, I could never have you as my enemy. I like you too much.”
“I like you too,” I say to him. That doesn’t mean things can’t change. I hate the negative voice in my head ruining a good moment. What if we don’t become enemies? I try to change the dialogue in my head to something positive. That is what my anxiety books said to do.
Brett gives me a panty-dropping smile.
The door to the media room opens and Brett stands instinctively in front of me.
“Dude, you better get in the locker room,” one of the players says to him.
“Coming, now fuck off!” Brett replies.
The guy laughs, shaking his head and closing the door.
“That was Matt. He’s a good buddy of mine,” Brett explains. “There’s an elevator to the right when you leave the room. Just take it up to the second floor. You’ll know where you are when you get off the elevator.”
“Sure, have a good game,” I say to him.
“Thanks.” He leans in and kisses me. I cherish the kiss, feeling like it can never be enough. “I’ll try to score a goal for you guys.”
“It isn’t your job to score goals,” I remind since he’s a defensive player and I understand the rules of the game.
“Just keep an eye on me, Honey.” With that he leaves the room.
I finish feeding Maylee, change her diaper, and get her all bundled up again. By the time I’m on the second level the anthem is being sung. I make it back to our seats in time for face-off.
They are playing Toronto and Liam is up for puck drop. The player from Toronto shoots the puck across the ice. It ends up in the offensive zone. Brett sweeps in in front of a player from Toronto and shoots the puck across the ice. All the players skate like crazy to the other side of the ice. Matt shoots to Kaleb.
“Willow,” I hear my name being called and turn around. Patty and Ellie are here. “Hey, guys.” They reach in and hug me.
“We left the kids with Patty’s mom and ran into crazy traffic,” Ellie explains.
Both their husbands play for the team. Connor is the goalie and Evan is a winger.
Ellie hollers when Connor blocks a shot. I introduce my friends to Brett’s family, except for Maddie since they are already friends of hers. They take the seats down the row since we are right next to the plexiglass.
“It feels good to be out,” Patty says, looking at me.
“It does,” I agree.
“Why didn’t you leave the little munchkin with a babysitter?” she asks.
“Brett wanted to show her off to his team. Besides, it’s easy to have her here now because she isn’t crawling and she’s content in our arms.”
“I hear that,” she replies.
We focus on the game.
Liam shoots to Evan and Evan stick handles the puck across the ice. He’s got two players tailing him when Brett sweeps in and blocks their path, paving the way for Evan to make it to the net. Only another player from Toronto moves in so Evan shoots the puck across to Matt, and he scores. The crowd goes wild and we all cheer. Evan skates by and places his hand on the plexiglass and Patty places her hand on his. He blows her a kiss. When Brett comes around, he also places his hand on the plexiglass, so I put my and Maylee’s hand on his. Brett’s mom nudges me and tells me to look up at the Jumbotron. When I do, I see we are on it.
“Holy shit,” I gasp, and I pull our hands away.
Brett laughs and blows us a kiss and then there are hearts bubbling on the Jumbotron, and I am laughing and blushing.
By second period Toronto scores, making the game tied. Maddie is biting her nails and Asher is running up and down our aisle. Things are tense since the guys need to secure a spot in the playoffs. Now Brett is back on the ice. He’s working hard blocking players. He skates between two players to try to clearly stop the one who is trying to get the puck away from Evan, when the player behind him extends his stick. Brett crashes to the ice, sliding into the boards before coming to a stop. My heart stops as the ref blows his whistle and calls a tripping penalty on the other player. When Brett doesn’t immediately get up, my stomach sinks. Finally, he sits up but he is motioning to his leg. One of the team doctors runs onto the ice and then Brett is escorted off the ice. I stand watching him being guided off.
“He’s tough. Brett has sustained his share of injuries over the years. He’ll be fine,” Ms. Noble assures.
“But would they be guiding him off the ice like that? It looked like he couldn’t put pressure on his foot,” I mutter nervously.
“Sit tight, dear. I’m sure he’ll call us when he gets to his phone. The team doctors need to assess him first.”
I begin to chew my lip. The game continues without Brett, but I can’t focus because I am worried about him. My cell finally rings and his name lights my screen.
“Are you okay?” I ask quickly.
I’m met with the sound of his laughter, but it sounds strained. “I’ve been better, Honey. Need to go to the ER to see if it’s a break.”
“I’m coming with you,” I immediately say.
“No, you take care of Maylee, I’ll be fine. I’m in good hands,” he assures. His voice is calm and cool, even though he doesn’t really sound like himself, and I am guessing it’s because he’s in pain.
Ms. Noble taps my thigh. “Why don’t you take me back to the apartment and I’ll stay with Maylee so you can go to the hospital,” she offers.
“Thank you,” I mouth to her.
“Willow, you don’t need to come. I’m good,” Brett assures.
“Which hospital are they taking you to?” I ask.
“Memorial, but please don’t come,” he insists.
“Okay, fine. Just take care of yourself,” I say to him.
We end the call.
“I know it’s nerve-racking when they get hurt but the fall didn’t seem so bad,” Patty states. I know she is familiar with hockey injuries since she was once the team physical therapist, but I am still not settled.
“I need to be there for him,” I reaffirm.
Patty nods like she understands, and I wave to her and Ellie before leaving the arena with Brett’s mom and Asher, who is yawning and wants to sleep, while Maddie and Henry stay behind to cheer for Kaleb. We head back to the apartment, and I quickly feed Maylee. Then I show Ms. Noble where I keep the frozen breast milk. I leave a bag out on the counter to defrost.
When I get to the door to leave, Ms. Noble says, “I’m really glad Brett has you.”
It’s the second time tonight she is saying something along those lines.
“It’s me who’s lucky,” I reply as I grab my purse, jacket, and keys.
“Maylee is in good hands. Don’t worry,” she assures with a warm smile.
“Thank you, I’ll keep you posted.”
I leave and head out to Memorial.
When I arrive, the assistant coach is hanging outside his door.
“Hi, I’m Brett’s. . .”
“I know,” he replies. “Go on in.”
I blow out a breath.
“He won’t be able to play for the next week,” he adds. “But go on in.”
He motions for me to enter the room where Brett is lying back on a bed.
“Honey, I told you I’m okay,” he says, frowning when he sees me. “You must be exhausted.”
“I’m okay, Brett. It’s you I’m worried about. I wanted to be here for you,” I say to him. I’ve never said those words before. I’ve never had a partner I wanted to be with like I want to be with Brett.
Brett gives me a smile and his cheeks flush like he is embarrassed. It’s then I realize how alike Brett and I truly are. We are the ones who always take care of everyone. We don’t depend on anyone, and so Brett isn’t used to this kind of attention.
I lean in and kiss him. He groans. “Well, if it means you kiss me more, I’ll take it.”
I laugh and smack him.
“Why are you in a hospital robe if it was just your leg?” I ask.
“They did an MRI of my head too. I hit the boards, but it wasn’t too hard. Just a precaution.”
“Did they give you the results?” I ask.
“MRI is good, don’t worry,” he says, reading my nerves. “But my ankle has a sprain.”
“I can definitely treat your leg.”
“Is that the only thing you’re willing to treat?” he asks.
This man. He makes me smile.
“Anything you want.” I slide my hand over his abdomen.
A doctor walks into the room.
“Is it okay if we discuss your results now?” the doctor asks Brett.
“Sure, this is my girlfriend, Willow,” Brett introduces me.
I’m not sure when I became his girlfriend. It sounds so official. Isn’t that something we were supposed to discuss?
The doctor tells him to ice his ankle and stay off it the next few days. He’s released from the hospital on crutches. And I drive us home in his SUV.
“So when did I become your girlfriend?” I ask as we head out into traffic.
“Do you not want to be my girlfriend?” he asks.
“I didn’t say that,” I scoff because why is he putting words in my mouth?
“Come on, Honey, you got to know by now that I am in this. I don’t want anyone else. To me, we are exclusive whether we slap a title on it or not.”
Hearing him talk this way relieves a stress inside me. It helps me to be reassured that Brett is really dedicated to us.
Silence falls between us.
“Come on, Honey, answer. Do you want to be my girlfriend?” he asks with such hope in his intoxicating blue eyes and a megawatt smile.
“I do, Brett. I’d love to be your girlfriend.”
“Besides, I’m the only one who can give you orgasms, so you kind of need me.” He laughs.
“You’re so cocky.” I shake my head.
“Speaking of cocks,” he says.
At a red light, I look at him and laugh.
“I didn’t say anything about cocks.”
“Cocky, cock, same thing. Maybe we need to stop in some dark parking lot and make out in the car like a bunch of teenagers. After the night I had, I need you.”
“You can’t be serious,” I retort but when I look at him, I see that he is. “Do you have something with car sex?”
After all, we did have a hot make-out session in my brother’s truck back in Sugar Meadow.
“I think you like the idea of making out in public,” he replies instead.
I squeeze my thighs together. Riding Brett in the front seat of this SUV is an interesting thought.
“Let’s say we did do this. Where should we stop?” I ask.
“Thatta girl,” he says sounding victorious.
He directs me to a quiet lot, and I park the car.
“I like that you’re still wearing my jersey,” he says, and I climb over to his seat and sit on his lap.
“I think you better get those jeans off first,” he reminds.
“Right.” I shift off him and remove the jeans and my panties. Brett lowers the lounge pants he’s wearing, along with his boxers, and his cock breaks free. He’s hard and I lick my lips and dip my head. I take his cock straight into my mouth and bob my head.
“That feels so good,” he sighs.
I take him to the back of my throat, and he messes up my hair with his fingers.
“Honey, I need you to ride me. I want to blow my load inside you.”
I shift and sit on his lap with my legs spread. I take his cock and guide him inside me. He growls as I seat myself on him. I begin to move, and Brett moves his hips causing more friction. His hands slide under my jersey and cup my breasts. He moves my bra down and tweaks my nipples. I dip my head and kiss him, taking in his taste, his scent. The way his mouth claims mine.
As I build, I move faster and use the back of the seat for leverage as I ride him hard. We both moan and groan, his hands on my ass helping me ride him. We both come apart together, him groaning and me crying out his name. We use some tissues to clean ourselves up and then we get dressed and head home. Brett’s mom is fast asleep on the couch when we walk in. I take a blanket and cover her up. Then we both go to check on Maylee.
She is sleeping flat on her back; her mouth is slightly open and we both just watch her breathe. I can’t help but think of all the goodness she has brought to our life.
“We did good,” Brett says, wrapping an arm around my waist.
“Yeah,” I sigh, and he kisses the top of my head.
* * *
Maylee’s cries from the monitor wake me out of a deep slumber. I slowly stretch and get up at the same time Brett tries to.
“You’re not getting up for her. You need to stay off that ankle,” I insist.
“I’m liking bossy Willow. You’re making me hard.”
“I’m beginning to think you’re always hard,” I retort.
“For you I am,” he replies with a smile that if I were wearing panties, they would drop.
“You stay put. I’ll feed Maylee and bring you some breakfast,” I suggest to him.
He shifts up to a seated position. I’m about to walk out of the bedroom when he says, “Honey, my mom is on the couch. I love that I can see your cute ass peeking from under the shirt but. . .”
“Oh shit.” I scramble to the side table where I have a pair of joggers folded and I slip them on quickly.
“You need to move all your clothes into my room,” he says.
I don’t answer as I leave his room. I see Ms. Noble sipping coffee and sitting on the couch.
“Good morning,” I greet her.
“Morning, dear. How is my son doing?” she asks.
“He’s going to be fine. He sprained his ankle,” I say and Maylee’s calls grow louder.
“Sorry,” I say.
“Sure, go ahead.” She waves.
I walk quickly to Maylee’s room. “Hi, pretty girl,” I chime as I walk to her crib and lift her up. She is in full-blown tears, and I kiss her cheeks and take a seat in the rocker in her room. “It’s okay, my love. Are you hungry?” I shove my boob in her mouth, and she settles instantly as she begins to suck.
I tilt my head back a little, thinking of Brett’s last words. He wants me to move my clothes into his room. When I first came to the city it was with the impression that staying here was a temporary fix. I may have wished things could work out with Brett and me, but it wasn’t something I was willing to admit because of his reputation. Since moving to the city, Brett has shown me repeatedly that he is dedicated to me and Maylee. His public displays of affection may be over the top, but I get that in his position he’s used to having attention on him.
When Maylee has finished eating, I take her to the family room and lay her in her play gym. She has started to push her bum up like she is getting ready to crawl.
“Sorry, I fell asleep last night,” Ms. Noble yawns.
“Don’t be sorry, I’m so happy you could be here,” I tell her.
“Thanks, dear,” she says. “I should get going back to the hotel though. I need a change of clothes and Henry is flying back home this morning.”
“Did you want me to call you an Uber?” I offer.
“I’ll call one myself,” she says. “I’ll just go to say bye to Brett.”
While she goes to talk with her son, I head to the kitchen and scramble up some eggs, hashbrowns, and toast. I pour a large glass of orange juice for Brett.
His mom comes by the kitchen. “It was so nice to meet you, Willow. I hope we can talk soon. Maybe we can FaceTime or something?”
“Definitely,” I reply.
“I’ll be putting my house on the market when I get back home. It may take a month or so for me to get sorted,” she explains.
“Good luck with everything. Let me know if you need any help,” I offer.
“That’s sweet of you, thanks,” she replies. She moves in to hug me and then I walk her to the door.
I quickly head back to the kitchen and set up Brett’s breakfast on a tray. I head over to his room and place it in front of him.
“Thanks, Willow. Wow. You really didn’t need to do this,” he says. “I should get up and take care of things.” He begins to move the tray off his lap.
“Brett, stop, I want to take care of you. You put your life on hold back in Sugar Meadow, and you did everything you could to make my life easy. I appreciate you and I want to take care of you too.”
He watches me like he isn’t sure what to think, and I get it. I’m always the one taking care of everyone around me too, but it feels good on occasion for the tables to be turned. Brett has done that for me when no one ever has.
“I-I’m not so good at accepting help,” he confesses.
“This isn’t help. This is me taking care of you. Please just sit back and relax.”
“Not sure I know how to do that, Willow, if I’m being honest.”
“I know. When you showed up in Sugar Meadow, intent on doing everything with Maylee in order to give me space for myself, I also didn’t know how to handle it. Mostly I told myself that I need to give you and Maylee time to bond, and that’s how I came to terms with you helping me.”
“I did it for you though,” he clarifies.
“Why?” I ask him.
“I care about you. I had feelings for you ever since that night and you seemed so tired and run-down. You took care of Maylee and your family and no one was taking care of you,” he explains with a sadness in his eyes that pulls on something deep inside me.
“That’s how I feel too, Brett. I’m watching you taking care of your whole family, and from the outside it looks like everyone sees you as the strong one. The one to fix their problems and help them in any way possible and that is totally honorable, but you deserve to be cared for too.”
“Come here,” he says, shifting over on the bed. He makes room for me on the edge and I take a seat beside him.
He wraps an arm around me. “Thank you.” He kisses my forehead.