Chapter 22
Chapter
Twenty-Two
Serena
I’ve been meticulous about setting up West’s surprise.
Joey sleeping with Lindy even though it’s a school night—Jayne is on board and Lindy’s really a good kid who adores Joey.
A very special bottle of red wine.
Candles, bubbles, and essential oils.
My hair is pinned up in what I hope is a sexy messy bun.
The only makeup I have on is my favorite red lipstick.
I think West will appreciate the set-up. At least, I hope so.
He’s been so kind to me, I want to do something special for him. It’s not about the sex, really—we’ve already done all that. It’s about relaxation and thoughtfulness, with a nice dose of romance. I also plan to give him a back rub, but that depends on what happens once he gets home.
“Serena?” I hear his voice and see the lights switch on in the bedroom.
“In here,” I call. “Make sure you’re naked before you come in and turn the lights off after you put your stuff away.”
I hear his chuckle and approximately a minute later he’s standing in the doorway. Every tan, muscular inch of him bare for my perusal. And Jesus, he’s beautiful. So tall and strong, the muscles in his thighs bulging almost as prominently as his erection. That’s pretty awesome too.
So, I turn my head slowly, glass of wine in one hand, and give him a slow, meaningful look as I crook my finger at him.
“Pour yourself a glass and join me?”
His smile is wolfish. “Fuck yes.”
He pours himself some wine and then puts a foot in the tub behind me. I lean forward so he can get in and then rest my back against his front, my butt firmly pressed against his erection.
“Hi,” he says softly.
“Hi.” I take a sip of wine. “How was your trip?”
“Long. But this makes getting home worth every minute of it.”
“I’m glad. I wanted to do something nice for you.”
“I don’t expect anything,” he says quietly, “but this is amazing. Thank you.” His free hand drifts around to cup one of my breasts, and I sigh happily.
My head falls back, resting against his shoulder, and he presses soft kisses on my temple.
“It’s good to be home,” he whispers. “And to find you waiting here.”
“I missed you,” I say, swallowing my hesitation to be this vulnerable.
“I missed you too.” He lifts his hand and uses two fingers to turn my head so he can kiss me. His lips are warm and firm but also sweet and tender. Our tongues play together for a minute or so before he pulls away. “If we keep that up, the wine and everything else will go to waste.”
“We have time.” I take a sip of wine. “Let’s enjoy the water while it’s still hot.”
“Deal.” That free hand is back to my breast now, gently cupping, kneading, and occasionally tugging on my nipple. If he keeps that up, I’m not going to be able to concentrate on conversation. But it feels too good for me to ask him to stop.
“How was your week?” I ask him. “Beyond the obvious hockey stuff.”
“It’s good,” he says. “Now that we have a new coach, it’s like a totally different team.
We hang out on the road, go out and do things when we have time, joke around in the locker room.
And the best part is that we’re winning now.
We had one tie and one loss, which happens, and I feel like we’re starting to find our footing. ”
“That’s great. I’m sorry I didn’t watch the games.
The first one, I didn’t even think about it, to be honest. And then Jayne mentioned it for the second game, but by the time I got Joey to bed, I fell asleep.
I was going to watch today but my friend Holly called and we wound up talking for a while. ”
“That’s okay. It’s not required.”
“I want to watch you play, but I think it’ll be easier if you’re with me—which I know is impossible. I just don’t know anything about hockey.”
“We can watch another game together first, if you want. I’ll point out the basics. Then maybe you can come to a game. It’s a lot more fun in person.”
“I’d really like that.”
“Speaking of which, I have a proposition for you.”
“Sure.”
“The All-Star weekend is coming up weekend after next. I’m not playing, but Coach asked a few of us to go and make an appearance.
Speak on a few panels, maybe sign autographs.
The day before the game itself is what’s called Fan Fun Fest, and it’s a carnival theme.
Games and carnival food with a hockey theme, along with guys from all over the league participating, speaking on panels, etcetera.
I thought you and Joey might want to go with me. ”
“Oh.” This feels like it came out of nowhere but I can’t deny the flutter of excitement. “But Joey—”
“Like I said, family-friendly. He can come. I bet he’ll have a blast. I just don’t know if you can get off work. We’d have to leave Thursday the seventh. We’d get home Sunday.”
“That’s winter break,” I say with a laugh.
“So, the stars are in alignment. Is that a yes?”
“Are you sure you want to bring me to something so…public?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”
“That means we become a couple. Officially. People will see us together.”
“Is that a problem for you?” he asks quietly. “Because it’s not for me. We’re dating. I don’t really give a shit who knows. And the details are no one’s business but ours.”
I don’t even have to think about it. “Yes,” I say softly. “I’d love to go with you.”
“Awesome. I’ll book our flights and hotel.”
“Where is it?” I ask, since he didn’t mention location.
“St. Louis.”
“I’ve never been there.”
“Oh, cool. We’ll make time to get over to the arch. If we’re in town, you have to go up to the top. The view is spectacular.”
“I’d like that.” I pause. “Do I have to wear anything special?”
“Not at all. Jeans. Whatever you’re comfortable in. It’s going to be chilly even though we’re inside. The ice is always fairly cold.” He cocks his head. “Do you skate?”
“I mean, can I skate around in a circle? Sure. But it’s been years since I’ve done it.”
“How about Joey?”
“Not yet.”
“I can help him.”
“That would be lovely.”
“I’m going to get him one of my jerseys. Is that okay?”
“Of course! Why wouldn’t it be okay?”
“I don’t know. It feels a little like I’m staking my claim.”
I laugh. “It’s essentially a shirt, West, not a tattoo. Besides, he thinks you’re incredibly cool. He’s asked if we’re going to a game at least fifty times.”
“We have a game tomorrow night. You want to go?”
I hesitate. “It’s a school night for him. I can stay up late, but he’s so grumpy if he doesn’t get enough sleep.”
“There are two games this week. Jayne doesn’t go to all of them for the same reason—Lindy needs to get to bed. So why don’t you guys work it out so you watch Lindy one night and she can go, and then she can watch Joey while you go.”
“That’s a great idea!”
“I mean, personally, I would just hire a sitter but I understand if you don’t have anyone you’re comfortable with.”
“No,” I admit. “Holly’s watched him maybe four times, and a couple of times Gemma came over to the house while he napped so I could run an errand, but it’s pretty much been the two of us.”
“Well, now you have some back-up. Me, Jayne, and even the guys. We take care of each other, you know?”
For some reason, that brings tears to my eyes.
He’s such a good guy.
It’s been less than two weeks, and I’m starting to fall.
It’s way too soon for that, isn’t it? Is there a timetable for falling in love? I don’t think it exists with West because I’ve never met anyone like him.
“Are you this nice to everyone?” I ask softly, reaching up to cup one side of his face, even though I have to twist around in the tub.
“Not everyone, no. But definitely to people I care about.”
Yup. I’m in big trouble.
“West?”
“Yeah, angel?”
“Take me to bed.”