Love in Surrender (De La Fuente Family 8)

Violet

After getting the first week of my new job over with my boss, Rich, gave me two tickets for a Bruins game. I’d initially held them back from Blake because I wasn’t sure how he’d feel about going to a game when he could no longer play, it could go either way. In the end I’d taken a chance, feeling bad that the tickets would go to waste otherwise.

Blake had been really excited to be going to an NHL game. I’m not sure they were a team he’d ever supported but after being away from the sport for close to a year, I understood his excitement. I just hope it doesn’t put him down in the dumps afterwards.

He’d started his rehabilitation at the facility were I’m working, and so far he’s doing okay. At least I think he is, but he frowns every time I ask him. I didn’t take him up on the comment that his trainer had eyes for me. He also said that about my boss. It worries me slightly that maybe he’s being a bit too possessive and seeing things that just are not there. Then again, maybe I’m the one not seeing these things. I have been called naive a few times.

I really like our temporary home, which is a small one-bedroomed bungalow. It’s on the grounds of the facility and it is amongst fifteen others. They’re used for patients mostly, and as a temporary accommodation for when staff move in to work for them. It’s easy to get to and from work, for me, but also easy for Blake to get around as the whole place is wheelchair assessable.

The best part of my day though, is coming home from work and getting to spend the evening wrapped up with Blake. Just feeling his arms around my body settles me like nothing else. My nerves dwindle, and I feel his love for me.

I know he misses his sister and new niece, but they’ll be coming out

to visit us in a few weeks, once Felicity and baby Blake have their six week checkup.

Sighing and with a smile on my lips, I glance at Blake beside me. The cold slowly starts to seep through my jeans with us sitting so close to the rink. It is completely worth it to see the joy on Blake’s face. He’s eager for the game to get started, but without taking his eyes from the ice, he gives a slight tug on my wrist.

I don’t move so he glances at me and then his lap. “You’re shivering.” He grins and wiggles his brows. “I’ll keep you warm.”

I’m about to move over when I notice a group of girls looking our way and whispering amongst themselves. Have they recognized Blake? I mean he led a high-profile career as a NHL player for the Cleveland Flyers before he’d had his accident. I’m not naive and know that he’ll still be up on plenty of bedroom walls. He’s hot and a professional hockey player so I get it. This is just the first time I’ve been with him while he’s been recognized. I have mixed emotions about it.

Blake follows my gaze and frowns turning back to me. “Ignore them.” Another tug on my wrist gets me moving and I shuffle to get comfortable on his lap. His arms go around my waist and he tugs me closer, kissing my lips before he tucks my head into his neck. “I’m glad you’re here with me.”

“I wish everyone wouldn’t stare,” I grumble.

He chuckles. “Everyone isn’t staring.”

“No, you’re right, just the hot chicks.”

He stills and tilts my chin so that I’m looking directly up at him. Sighing heavily, he admits, “I used to be part of the NHL, and I used to make the most of the perks.” He winces. “The ice bunnies are always at big games, trying to capture the attention of the single players. Some don’t give a shit if the players are married. I’m not a saint, but you’re the only woman I want to be with now.”

He places a leisurely kiss to my lips. “I didn’t notice them until after you had.” A quick kiss this time. “I’m all yours.”

I cup his cheek with a gloved hand while I bring my mouth to his. “I love you, Blake Kelly.”

“Mmm.” He nuzzles into my neck until I push him away laughing. “They’ll be asking us to leave if we get frisky.”

“No, they won’t.” He grins. “I know the manager.”

My eyes widen as he tips his head toward a guy in a suit in Bruins colors.

“I guess that has its advantages.” I roll my eyes.

The music starts and the volume within the stadium suddenly hurts my ears, but I laugh and bury my face against Blake. I feel the excitement in his body as his fingers tangle in my hair. He holds me close and I feel protected.

The game plays on, but Blake refuses to let me claim my seat again. Apparently, my seat is in his lap. I’m more worried about causing him harm than what we look like. Blake just grins.

By the end of the game, the Bruins have won and Blake whispers that we need to celebrate.

I move from his lap and jump when he smacks my bottom. I turn to watch him, and he has a wicked grin on his face, which disappears as he notices the women from before confidently approaching him.

“Are you Blake Kelly?” the blonde bimbo asks.

I’m surprised when Blake hesitates, and says, “Nope. Not me.”

Redhead asks, “You are him.”

Sighing, Blake gives them a teasing look. “Okay, it’s me. Not at my best today ladies, but if you’ll excuse us.”