Off Season (Off 5.5)

His eyes are dark, flashing with intensity. "Tell me that's not a fucking joke," he growls.

"Not a joke," I tell him with a small smile. "I'd like to move here... to Phoenix, if you think that's okay. I mean, I don't want to assume you want me here, but hell... maybe I did assume that. I can get a small apartment, find a job... maybe finish up my degree over here. But again, only if you want me too, and fuck... I should have discussed this with you first before I just invited myself to your city, but I really think--"

Zane pushes me onto my back, rolls onto my body, and then he's pushing inside of me once again while he stares down at me with victory in his eyes. When he's impaled me perfectly and his pelvis is flush against mine, he leans down to drag his lips over mine for a brief kiss.

"I love you," he says with utmost confidence as he pulls back and pins me with his gaze.

My smile breaks free, my heart is light, and my destiny is set. "I love you, too," I tell him simply, not even the least bit surprised to hear for the first time that he loves me.

Really, what more is there to say?

"You're not getting an apartment; you're moving in with me. And you're not getting a job; you're immediately getting into school. And we'll have to figure out how to get your stuff--"

I roll my hips and squeeze my inner muscles, feeling the way they perfectly grip him. "Shut up, Zane. Let's talk details later."

His eyes flutter closed when I contract again, and when they open back up, they are burning with lust. He pulls back and then slams into me.

I cry out in pleasure... love... satisfaction.

"Is this what you want?" he asks gruffly, starting up a driving rhythm that soon has his headboard knocking against the wall.

"Yes," I gasp. "You... you're what I want."

"You have me," he groans after a super-deep thrust. "Always."

"Always," I agree, and then I let myself go.

Epilogue

Zane

To: Cady Dunne

From: Zane Kavanaugh

Subject: Off-Season

Date: April 2, 2015

Damn, that game kicked my ass! Did you see the way Kasparitis hip-checked me? I've got a huge bruise on my right shoulder, and I think I need you to baby me when I get home. At least we won the game, so playoffs here we come! I wish you could have come to Tampa with me, but I understand. Damn schooling!!! LOL! I should be home mid-afternoon tomorrow.

So listen... let's just assume we make it through a few playoff rounds. Hell, let's just assume we win the Stanley Cup. After that's all said and done and we drink from the silver chalice, we need to travel somewhere. The off-season isn't very long and since you aren't taking any summer classes, I think this is prime time for us to do some serious travel. I was thinking a definite visit to Dublin so I can see your hometown and you can visit your parents, but maybe we can hop around Europe for a bit. What do you think?

I mean... seriously, we need to do these things now because once we have kids, those traveling days will be over. Know what I mean?

Okay, heading to bed. I love you and miss you so much! Will I get a blow job since my shoulder's injured when I get home?

Love,

Zane

***

To: Zane Kavanaugh

From: Cady Dunne

Subject: Kids?

Date: April 2, 2015

Schmids!

Are you freakin' serious, Zane? You can't just drop that bomb about kids and then ask for a blow job! You're a nutty fruitcake. I'm logging off my email. We can discuss this tomorrow.

I miss you, too!

Love,

Cady

P.S. And yes... you get a blow job... but not because your shoulder is injured but because of that thing you did with your mouth the other day before you left. Very nice.

***

Text exchange between Cady Dunne and Zane Kavanugh on April 2, 2015

Zane: You may have logged off your email but I can still text you. You're not mad are you?

Cady: A little.

Zane: You called me a nutty fruitcake. I really don't think you're mad.

Cady: Am too.

Zane: Why does the subject of kids bother you?

Cady: Because we've never talked about it before, and usually marriage comes before that.

Zane: I'm well aware of that fact.

Cady: So... we haven't talked about marriage yet. Super nutty fruitcake.

Zane: So let's talk about marriage. Will you marry me?

Cady: WTF Zane!!! Is that your idea of a romantic proposal?

Zane: Hey! I'm a nutty fruitcake, remember? Would it make you feel better if I told you I have a ring in my duffle bag and I've been carting it around for a few weeks, trying to figure a clever way to propose?

Cady: And this is the best you can do?

Zane: At least it will be memorialized in writing for our kids to see one day.

Cady: Kids? I haven't agreed to marry you yet.

Zane: You will.

Cady: Maybe... if you do that thing with your mouth again.

Zane: Count on it, baby!