Chapter 22 #2
She laughed and linked her arm in his as they neared her vehicle. “That wasn’t your first time coaching, was it?”
“No. I sometimes help at practice with our defense because as goalie, I can see a lot more of the ice. And you know, I’ve been around a long time. I’m not the oldest guy on our team, but I’m up there.”
“At the grand old age of what, thirty-four?”
“Thirty-one, thanks. I’m in the prime of my career actually.” He glanced down at his knee, aware he needed to be more aggressive with his recovery.
She looked at his knee too. “First major injury?”
“Yeah.”
“Not bad for a pro hockey guy.” She paused when they reached her car. “This must be weird. You’re used to first-class hotels and people treating you like a king. Here, you’re just you.”
“You know, I feel like I should be insulted by that, and I don’t know why.”
She grinned, her eyes shining, and he thought he could stand in this parking lot all day long and just stare into those eyes.
Being with her felt perfect. He easily imagined their future Sundays, leaving the kids behind at practice while they went home to make love before they had to pick up their twins. A boy and girl they’d name—
“What’s going on in that empty head of yours?” she asked. “And where did Jeff go?”
“He escaped with your brother. Will was the only one not corralled by your mom to take down boxes from the attic.”
“Will’s got a talent for getting out of stuff.” She huffed. “And Jeff is on my list too. He still won’t tell me who his new man is. He’s finally in love, but he’s scared of losing it.” She blinked at Damon and flushed. “Sorry. Pretend I didn’t tell you that.”
“No, no. You told me Jeff’s secrets.” He was thrilled. “That means you trust me.”
“I barely know you.”
“Yeah? Let’s rectify that.” He paused. “Oh, sorry. Rectify means—”
“I know what it means,” she snapped at him then poked him in the chest. “Just because you’re clever and have an Olympic-gold tongue does not mean you can lecture me on words, buddy. I teach English.”
“Have I ever told you sexy teacher fantasies ruled my high school years? Do you have a short skirt and thick glasses you could wear? Maybe with a bun and high heels?”
“No. I never put my hair in a bun. I’m not ninety.”
“Ageist much?”
She flushed. “Why are you so annoying?”
“Let’s get back to you spilling Jeff’s secrets.”
She groaned. “I didn’t mean to. I’m worried about him.”
“Why? He’s a grown man with a thriving veterinary practice. I don’t know him well, but if he tolerates you, he has to be confident. You scare weak men.”
“Thank you?”
He continued, “You know me well enough to know I’d never tell anyone that you’re sharing your best friend’s secrets with your lover.”
“Lover? Man, that sounds so sordid.” She smirked at him. “Sordid means—”
“I know what it means,” he said, mimicking her pique. “I’m big but I have a brain.”
“Oh, I know you’re big.” She batted her lashes at him.
“You’re so mean.” He squeezed her in a hug, never wanting to let go.
She groaned but hugged him back.
“Oh, sorry.” He pulled back, keeping her in his arms. “Did I squeeze too hard?”
“No. But now we’ve been seen hugging in public.”
“And?”
“And now rumors will start that we’re seeing each other.”
“And that’s bad? I mean, I don’t mind if people think I’m pity-dating you.”
Her eyes shot daggers at him. “Laugh it up, Conan. But you’re Mr. Popular. I bet your picture gets on some entertainment site about you cuddling up with strange women.”
“I’ve told you before, you’re not that strange.”
“Odd how that joke is just as not funny as it was before.” She pulled back and crossed her arms over her chest.
But he saw her fighting back a smile. “Why are we out here in the cold when I’m supposed to be treating you to another meal?”
“You trying to buy my affection, stalker?”
“Why? Is it working? Want me to buy you a restaurant?” He was only half-joking. “All the food you’ll ever want.”
“Very funny. I know you have a party with the team later, and I know they’re going to give you shit about me, but—”
“Whoa, whoa. I don’t have anything. We have a party to go to. If I go, you go. I only got into this thing in the first place to get into your pants.”
“How romantic.”
“Right? And now that everyone loves me, I can’t disappoint them. So you can’t disappoint them either.”
“I…what?”
He thought he made total sense. “Yep. You’re my date for everything in Hope’s Turn. And maybe Portland.”
“Portland?”
“Colby wants me to catch their home game on the twentieth. You have to come with me.”
“I do?”
He nodded. “Consider it one of the favors you owe me.”
“Well, I guess.”
“And before you can object, I got you covered. Do you play games on Saturdays?”
“Games?”
“Your basketball team.”
“Um, no.”
“Great. No conflict there. I’ll cover the cost of everything. Food, transport, housing. You just be yourself and look pretty.”
“Is that all?” she asked dryly.
“Well, and you have to act like you love me.”
“That’s going to be tough.”
“I believe in you, Marlie. You can do it!”
She laughed. “Love is a little strong. How about like?”
“Well, it’s on the way to love. It’ll do.” Until you catch up with how I feel about you. “So it’s a deal?”
She sealed it with a kiss. “Now get lost. I have a few chores before my week starts up again.”
“Right.” He sounded breathless. Not great for a bad boy to get so wrapped up in a kiss. He deepened his voice. “I’ll pick you up tonight. We’ll hit whatever bar the team picked. Then I’ll take you home, fuck you senseless, and let you have the best night’s sleep of your life.”
He kissed her again, this time leaving her breathless. With a satisfied nod, he left her and took a few moments to wind down in his truck.
Stupid Sinclair Gift.
The woman had well and truly hooked him. Now how to figure out a way to keep her without her calling the law on him?
Ah, he had it.
Blackmail.
And he knew just who to use it on.