Their New Beginning (Oh Captain, My Captain 5)

When I park at the dance studio, Avery is even more confused than before. “We did something on my bucket list, so I wanted to do something on yours. Do you remember when we stayed up all night, talking?” She nods. “You told me then that you’ve always wanted to take lessons for ballroom dancing. Well, that’s why we’re here.”

“Really?” she says, her eyes back on the building.

“Yep. Let’s go dance, Avery.”

Lucky for me, I have rhythm and so does Avery. Her smile is constant as our instructor starts telling us what we’re going to do and how to do it. Days like this are pure bliss. It’s not hard being a good husband as long as I consciously make the effort to do so. The way we’ve been lately reminds me a lot of how we were in the beginning. Avery smiles all the time, laughs at the silly things, and I make her happy. She does the same for me.

Our path was so bright, yet we had strayed to darker areas in the last year. I truly believe that as long as we keep doing this, going out on dates, planning nights out together, and talking every day, we’ll continue being happy. She’s my wife, we’ve been together for five years, and I’ve found myself falling in love with Avery all over again every single day.

On the way home, Avery holds my hand, gazing at me from the passenger seat. “Thanks, Jax. That was a lot of fun.”

I kiss her knuckles. “Anything for my beautiful wife.”

She smiles at me, my favorite thing to see.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Avery

The only things on my mind right now is how happy I am and sex. Okay, maybe the sex is number one right now. I haven’t been with Jax in almost nine months. I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s the truth. Hockey, work, life has all gotten in the way, but not right now.

Tonight it’s us. The married couple, soul mates, and lovers.

Jax practically drags me into the house. His legs were longer than mine, but I’m running right behind him. My body is shaking to have him inside me, to feel his lips all over me, and to make love to me in the only way he can.

Jax kicks the door shut and pushes me against the wall. I tug at his shirt, pulling it over his head. He does the same with mine, and I’m already panting for him.

I grab his face and pull him to me. He picks me up and I wrap my legs around him. I can feel him as he rubs against my jeans. He tugs my bra down, biting at my neck, down to my breasts.

He stops and looks up at me. I hear it.

His cell phone is ringing, and it’s the hockey tone.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls it out.

“Yeah,” he answers.

I can hear someone talking fast, but it’s Jax’s face that says it all. He closes his eyes, like he’s in pain. I wrap my legs, and he sits me on my feet. I pull my bra back in place and pick up his shirt.

“Yeah.” He says again and ends the call. He searching my face. I know that look. He has to leave.

“It’s fine.” I put a smile on my face. “Go.” I hand him his shirt. I grab mine from the floor and jerk it on as I go to the kitchen.

“Avery.” Jax grabs my arm and turns me around. “One of the rookies is in trouble.”

I cup his face in my hands. “I understand. Go.”

“You’re number one, Avery. I swear it.”

I nod, trying not to cry.

For the first time he looks worried. “Will you be here when I come back?”

I step back as if I have been slapped. “Don’t ever ask me that again. I’m not going anywhere.”

“I know. I just,” he shakes his head.

“Jax.” I kiss his lips. “Go, and when you come back, I’ll be right here waiting. I love you.”