Page 47

Forty-Seven

Henry

After getting shit from the guys about taking too long to make my move, but they’re proud that I’m finally doing something, I shower and get the hell out of the arena.

I arrive at the hotel and beeline to the elevator and down the hall to our room. I use my keycard and open the door, and my bag drops from my shoulder.

Jade is on the bed in my jersey, and I’m pretty sure nothing else.

“I loved the lingerie, but this makes me feel even more beautiful. Knowing I’m your girl.”

Fuck, how long have I waited for her to say that to me? Eight long years.

I walk in, toss my bag on the floor, shut the door, toe out of my shoes, and jump on the bed. She yelps as I press her into the mattress, kissing along her neck before sucking on her earlobe.

“Good game, Hensley,” she says.

“That asshole was pissing me off,” I say, continuing to kiss every inch of skin I can reach.

“I noticed.”

“But the real victory was finally getting past him on a breakaway. Sweet goal, huh?” He draws back. “Your boyfriend did good.”

“He did really good, but I think he’s about to do even better.” She reaches behind me for the hem of my sweatshirt, pulling it up my body.

I can’t wait to have her.

She reaches back and pulls my sweatshirt over my head.

“We didn’t have the talk. Protection?” It isn’t the sexiest conversation, but it’s one we need to have.

“I’m still on the pill,” she says. “And I was tested when I got back, but I’ve never had sex without a condom. Except for with you.”

I hate that I want to ask about the ex, but I decide now is not the time. I trust she’s telling me the truth. “I haven’t been with anyone since I was tested at the start of the season.”

“So, no condom?” She grins at me.

“If I don’t last long, don’t think less of me.”

She laughs, then our eyes lock, both of us realizing this is it. We’re finally going to have each other after all the tension leading up to right now.

She pushes my shoulders and rolls me onto my back.

“This isn’t how it’s supposed to go,” I say.

“Are you telling me that only the man can take charge?” She swings her legs over my waist, and her fingers dig into my track pants. Since I was able to sneak out to a car and not go with the team, I didn’t have to wear my suit after the game.

“Not at all. Take charge, babe.” I put my hands behind my head and watch her.

She trails her fingers down my chest. “All these abs. How many sit-ups do you do a day?” She palms my pecs and runs her hands over to my biceps, her touch feather-light and addictive.

“Do you really want to talk about my workout routine?”

She shrugs. “It’s just really impressive, that’s all.”

“I have something a little more impressive.” I raise my hips. Fuck, maybe her panties are under my jersey but nothing else, and I grow harder.

“You have a lot of impressive parts.” She leans forward, and I inch up to kiss her as her hands slip under the back of my track pants and she palms my ass. “Mr. Hensley, are you not wearing underwear?”

I chuckle. “I figured it was just another layer.”

She squeezes my ass cheeks, denying my kiss. Instead, she places a kiss on my shoulder, trailing it down to my bicep. “Where did my Henry go? So muscular. So strong.”

“He’s still here.” I place my hand over my heart.

“That’s your biggest muscle.” She slides her hands out from under my pants and kisses my heart. “My favorite of all your muscles.”

“Really?”

She sits up and runs her hips forward and back, teasing me. “It’s your heart that’s always given me the most.”

“It’s yours. Always has been, always will be.”

She nods, and her eyes glisten.

Shit, what did I do?

“Hey.” I inch up on my elbows and lift one hand to wipe the tear falling down her cheek. “What’s the matter?”

She shakes her head. “I’m just really happy. Why did I ever leave?”

“No, we’re not going there anymore, Jade. You’re happy. I’m happy. Bodhi’s happy. We’re moving forward—together.”

She nods. “I know. I’m fine, but I’m crying because I’m happy. You make me so happy.”

Shit, I’ve wanted to hear her say that so many times. “You have no idea how that makes me feel.”

I roll her over and nudge her legs apart with my thighs, both hands cradling her cheeks, and I kiss her. I give my full self over to her without any trepidation because we’re going to make it this time. The time is ours to conquer any problems we had. I just know it.

“I love you,” I murmur, pulling away before my lips find hers again.

Tonight, I’m going to cement that into her, letting her know that she is my future.