Fated Shot

Chapter 29

Mia

As we walk to my apartment, we’re both greeted by a sleepy-eyed Bean. My once loyal child has betrayed me for his one true love, Jack. Those two are best buddies. He’s been coming around here so often that I swear they’ve even synced nap schedules. I always catch them snoozing together, Bean curled up in the corner, Jack using his body as a pillow as they snore quietly.

I snapped a photo the other day, it’s quickly become my favorite to scroll to. It’s a freaking sight to behold, a shirtless monstrosity of a man with his face squished into the side of a fuzzy cat. It’s one that I’m sure would break the internet if it ever got out, but I’m keeping it for myself.

I’m more tired than I thought, a yawn slipping out of me the moment I slip off my shoes.

“Can I stay over tonight?” Jack asks meekly, cradling Bean in his arms. I’ll never get used to the juxtaposition that is Jack Brody. Dominant and protective yet sweet and uncertain.

“I’d like that,” I reply, heading straight to the bathroom to get ready for bed. By the time I brushed my teeth, washed my face, and changed into one of the oversized t-shirts I’ve abducted from Jack, he’s already lying comfortably on his side of my bed.

“I love it when you wear that.” He props his elbow on the bed, resting his head in his hand as he looks me over. I lift the comforter, settling in beside him as his arms wrap around me. It’s a perfect fit. He’s warm, and his scent is familiar, both having the power to completely lull me into comfort mode. I can’t remember ever feeling like this with Seb. So happy, so safe, so calm. It comes too naturally, and I’m getting used to it.

“Jack?” I lift my head from his chest to look at him.

“Mm?” he mumbles, eyes still closed. He’s clearly as comforted as I am to have our bodies wrapped around each other.

Don’t say it, don’t say it.

“You, um, called me your girlfriend at the club.” Gahh, I said it. It comes out accusatory, but he doesn’t seem to mind, still unbothered in the comfort of the moment.

A smile stretches across his lips as he quietly repeats my words.

“My girlfriend.” His arms hug tighter around my body.

“Did you mean to call me that?” I’m trying my best to keep my voice steady, but determined to pry deeper into his non-answer.

The word took me by complete surprise, a confetti cannon of butterflies erupting in my stomach the moment he said it, but as he pulled me close to him, I realized how much I liked the sound of it.

If it was some kind of slip or just him trying to get Max Dunn off my case or something, I don’t know if I can handle it. I try to hide the concern in my expression as I wait.

His sapphire blue eyes pierce into me.

“You don’t even know the power you have over me, do you?” He sighs, his hand brushing a curl behind my ear. “How incredible you are, how much I’ve thought about this, about us.”

“You don’t date, you like to be alone.” It’s accusatory again. I really just love pushing him away and ruining perfect moments, clearly.

“I don’t want to be alone anymore, Mia. ”

“It’ll be hard, though, with your schedule, you’ll be away half the time. I’ve seen how much of a toll it can take on relationships; it’s hard work. Are you sure you want that?”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything else in my entire life.”

“There’s a lot of temptation, too, you’ll be on the road… I’ve seen the way girls throw themselves at you.” A tinge of insecurity weighs in my gut.

He shakes his head, not an ounce of anger or disappointment at my words, only understanding as he looks deeply into my eyes.

“I understand why that’s a concern for you, but you don’t ever have to worry about that. I would never do anything to risk losing you.”

“But what if I’m not enough for you?” I really don’t mean to be this needy, but if we’re going to be partners here, I need to lay it all out there—dirty laundry and all.

His eyes widen as he holds my face in his hands.

“You’re everything. Nothing else matters, I wish you could see that. Nothing else ever mattered until I met you.”

His words work their way through my body, easing the tension that started to build in anticipation of a letdown. Jack doesn’t let me down; I should know this by now. Every step, every turn, he’s there, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It feels surreal, like nothing I had ever imagined I would experience, but at the same time, it’s the most natural thing in the world.

The craziest part about his words? I believe them.

“Promise me you’ll tell me if you get bored or if you don’t want this anymore. If you don’t want me anymore.”

“That’s not going to happen, Mia. You’re mine until the moment you choose not to be.” There’s something indiscernible in his expression, a mix of concern or maybe fear, but all tenderness.

Who knew such a simple statement could be so loaded? Until I choose not to be? It’s one of the scariest thoughts that’s ever crossed my mind because I’m starting to think there won’t ever be a reason I’d decide that. Jack Brody will either be my everything or destroy me—there’s no in-between.

He continues evaluating me after his words, but I just snuggle into him. He sighs happily, kisses the top of my head, and repeats, “My girlfriend,” as he wraps me tighter.

We both wake up to the sound of my alarm, perfectly intertwined. I’m lying in the crook of his shoulder and chest, with my leg draped over him. Bean has somehow squished between us and is snoring peacefully, belly up.

“Morning, Wyndham.” Even hoarse, his voice sounds as perfect as he is.

“BFG,” I reply, smiling happily.

He chuckles, carefully repositioning Bean to stabilize him on the comforter as he stretches his body. I watch every muscle in his arms expand and contract with his movements.

“I’m going to miss you two.” It hits me that he’ll be leaving soon, and he’s gone for most of the week this time.

“We’re going to miss you, too,” I reply, a wave of sadness hitting me. I don’t know what else to say to avoid sounding as clingy as I feel.

“It’s not forever, you know.”

I nod. “Just ‘till Friday.”

When he chuckles, it echoes throughout my apartment, no doubt a result of the minimal furniture.

“I meant hockey. Two more years, and we’ll have all the time in the world together.”

My stomach flips. Does that mean he still thinks we’ll be together two years from now? I try not to dwell on the excitement.

“You’re still young, though. My dad played until he was thirty-three. ”

“Your dad was a way better player than me. I’m just happy I’ve got to play as long as I have. I’m twenty-seven and already falling apart.” He points to his now almost entirely faded bruise on his torso.

“Oh yeah, twenty-seven, practically geriatric.” I roll my eyes at him.

“I’m serious, Mia. I always knew there would be an expiry on my career. You make the money while you can and then return to the real world. I know you didn’t want this hockey life for yourself. I promise you, it’s just temporary. I just need you to be patient.”

He’s right. I never wanted this. It’s a lot to handle, the loneliness and constant lack of permanency. Players get traded all the time, and their partners and families are uprooted in an instant. It’s difficult, but for Jack, it’s worth it.

“I can be patient.”

“Good, because I’m not letting you go,” he replies with a smile.

After a morning of talking and cuddles, we settle at the kitchen island, lattes in front of us, enjoying our last bit of time together before he leaves.

“I, uh, got you this,” he says, sliding a key card across the counter.

“What is it?” I ask him, reaching over to see the Maplewood logo embossed.

“I thought maybe, well, since you are always so squished in here during your baking, you could use my kitchen.” He cautiously reads my face. “You don’t have to, but I thought maybe if you wanted to—whatever works best for you.”

“I’ve actually been thinking about renting a kitchen space…” Saying it out loud makes me nervous, but in a good way. “I’m sort of at capacity here, I just think I can grow into—well, I want to expand Cookie it’s totally your choice. It’d make me feel better knowing you have it. If you ever need anything or just want to hang out there.” The consideration and concern in his expression swells my heart.

I take it from him, saying, “Thank you.”

As we walk to the door, I hold his hand and ask, “Will you text me when you land?”

“I’ll call so much, you’ll be sick of me.” My heart is pulling. Why is it doing that? “I promise, okay?” he says, cupping my face so that our eyes meet.

“Okay,” I say, trying to keep my voice even. I should not be this sad right now. What the heck is wrong with me? When he kisses me, everything fades away except for us, matched breathing and connecting like nothing else will ever feel so right.

I’m getting attached, but I’m powerless to resist it. As he leaves, it feels like a part of me goes with him, it’s a strange, new sensation.

Time to embrace the unfamiliar.

***

BFG: We just landed, we’re headed to the hotel. Call you in 45?

Me: Sounds good, glad you made it safely.

I type out ‘ miss you already’ before deleting it and deciding to close my phone. It’s true, I’m already one of those girls pining after their boyfriends. Embarrassing and weak, I know, but I can’t help it.

BFG: I already miss you.

My heart basically leaps out of my chest as soon as I spot the text. I want to do something for him, something he’ll love, something to make him feel the way he makes me feel.

I lasted until 9 pm before deciding to pop over to Jack’s apartment. It smells like him everywhere here, and it’s insanely comforting. I’ve already searched through his dresser for a few more comfy t-shirts to steal when I glance over at his bed. It’s ridiculously massive, just like him, and I can’t help but want to sprawl out in it.

It’s about thirty minutes later when my phone rings. I crawl over to where it’s charging on the other side of the bed, taking me until the third ring to shimmy over to it.

“Hello?” I ask a bit breathlessly. I swear his bed is built for sucking you into it.

“Hi, Wyndham.” The deep timber of his voice sends a wave of excitement to my core. “We just got here. What are you up to?”

“Just laying in bed,” I reply nonchalantly. His bed, specifically, but he doesn’t need to know that yet.

“Are you sleepy, my girl? Wish I was there with you.”

“Want to Facetime?” I ask before hitting the video button on my phone.

“Yeah,” is all he says before hitting accept, his face filling the screen. “Hi.” His mouth pulls into a smile when he spots me .

I’m careful to keep only my face in the frame, hair falling around me on the pillow.

“Hi,” I reply.

There’s a puzzled look on his face.

“Is that? Are you in my bed?”

“Mhmm,” I say, nestling in further to his pillow.

“You gonna sleep there tonight?” he asks, setting his phone a little ways away so that more of him is in view. He props his elbow on the bed, resting his head in his hand. He’s shirtless, muscular and tatted chest on full display. I literally want to lick him like a popsicle. What the heck is wrong with me? I’ve officially become a sex-crazed lunatic with him.

“Maybe.” I smile coyly before lowering the camera just a fraction, showing off one lacey strap of the corset set I’m wearing. His smile drops immediately, his expression hardening. Oh, he definitely saw.

“Are you sharing a room with anyone?” I ask to cover my bases.

“Penn.” He gruffs, a mixture of irritated and disappointed.

“Too bad.” I feign disappointment before angling the phone downwards toward my body. I love this outfit. I ordered it online over the summer, hoping it would boost my confidence even if I never had a chance to wear it for someone else.

It fits me like a glove, black lace hugging every curve of my body. The top part is supportive, lifting up my boobs, giving me more cleavage than normal, with sheer cups that let my nips show through and two little bows on either strap. I bought it for me, but I’m wearing it for him.

“Holy—”

There’s a commotion as his hand snatches the phone. I spot a pillow and the contraction of his arm muscle, but the rest is a blur of motion .

“OW,” rings out from the background. “The hell was that for?”

“Get out.” It comes out firmly and authoritatively, causing me to squeeze my thighs together. I’ve never done anything like this before. Excitement is usurping any nerves.

“What? I had my headphones in,” comes back from Penn.

“Out, Penn. NOW,” comes another demand from Jack.

“But where am I supposed to—” There’s more commotion as the phone pans to the hotel room ceiling.

I can hear a bit of unrecognizable back-and-forth, the sound now muffled. There are a few thumps, a door closing, and suddenly, Jack’s face reappears on the screen.

“Sorry, where were we?”

“I think you were assaulting your roommate?” I mock with a laugh. “Poor, Penn.”

“Don’t change the subject. Show me right now what you’re wearing.”

There it is, the dominating tone of his voice. It should be intimidating, but there’s something about him that just always gets me going, giving me the confidence I need.

“This?” I ask innocently as I move the screen down to show more of my cleavage.

“Holy fuck,” he mutters under his breath. I smile at his reaction. This is exactly what I wanted from him. “You’re lying in my bed, looking like that, while I’m two thousand miles away? Fuck Penn, poor me .”

At his words, I pan the remainder of the way down, showing off the rest of my black lacey look. Taking my time, I’m careful to ensure the camera catches every inch of my body. Moving my hand down to slowly graze over my stomach, I stop just short of my matching lace panties. The groan that leaves his mouth is enough to have me dripping. I do a little wiggle before lifting the screen back to my face .

“You’re killing me, Wyndham.”

I giggle at his response.

“Can I ask you a question?”

The expression on his face is literally pained as he takes a shuddering breath. “Anything.”

“Do you ever think about me when you touch yourself?” I feel silly even asking it, but curiosity has got the better of me. He’s occupied every single fantasy of mine, I need to know if the feeling is mutual.

“You’re kidding, right? I can’t think of anything but you,” he says with such certainty it stops me for a second. Before I can reply, he flips the camera to show off the erection he’s been stroking. I gasp in response. I don’t have extensive experience, but I’ve seen my fair share of videos, and as far as penises go, he has the prettiest one.

Seeing him get so turned on by just my body alone is next-level erotic.

“I need you to show me what I’m missing right now. Set the phone up, I want to see you play with yourself.”

Fireworks erupt in my stomach at his words. I’ve never had phone sex or FaceTime sex; heck I’ve never even masturbated in front of anyone. But he’s sparked something in me. I want to try everything with him. I do as I’m told, setting the phone up against a pillow and taking a deep breath.

“Good fucking girl.” He’s stroking himself so slowly, like he’s trying to make this last, but I see his dick twitch when I roll onto my side, rubbing my hands over my aching nipples. “Are you wet for me right now?”

“Mmhmm,” escapes me as I close my eyes, listening to his breathing.

“Show me. ”

I drag my hand down my stomach, spreading my thighs open, before dipping my hand into the moisture pooling between my legs with a moan. I pull out a finger, holding it up to the camera.

“That’s it. You’re always soaked and ready for me, hmm? Touch yourself, Mia. Make yourself come in my bed while I watch.”

I’m too turned on right now to object. Everything in me wants to please him, needs to please him. I lower my hand to circle my clit in the way that I know will send me over the edge in minutes. With my other hand, I reach for my mini pink dildo. I wasn’t planning on phone sex, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t planning on getting off using my toy in his bed.

I plunge it inside me, the sound of my slick arousal echoing through the room. He stops in his tracks, blinking twice at the screen. “Is that?”

I don’t respond; instead, I flip on the vibrator with a satisfied sigh. I don’t even know who I am right now, but I don’t care. I’m desperate for him.

“Fuck, that’s hot.” His hand starts to pump faster in response, breath growing heavier by the second. I close my eyes, leaning into the thrill I get from hearing him. “What are you imagining right now?”

I wiggle my hips as I pump the toy inside me, moaning with every graze of my G-spot.

“You,” I breathlessly reply, unable to fight the growing warmth in my stomach. I turn the vibration up to max, not able to hold off anymore. “I always picture you, Jack.”

A cry of pleasure rips out of me as I continue working it inside me. The groans echoing through the phone continue to egg me on, stimulating all my senses.

“I imagine your dick inside me, filling every inch.” I take a shuddering breath. “Drilling into me until your cum drips out of me. ”

“Oh shitttt,” he groans as he explodes all over his hand and abdomen.

“Jack,” I cry as my orgasm rips through me. Wave after wave of pleasure, hips bucking on his bed.

“God, you’re like my own personal turn-on. Everything you do drives me fucking wild.”

I giggle once I descend from the post-orgasm bliss. That was freaking exciting, everything with him is.