Page 15 of Trick Play

She nodded.

“So stay, if you want.”

I was enjoying the view of her naked body, but I wanted her in my bed. I shoved back the covers and lifted one side for her, a big smile on my face. She took another second to consider, then slid into the bed beside me.

She turned to her side, facing me. “You’re really sure about this? You’re not just being nice?”

I pushed a strand of hair back from her face. “I wouldn’t ask otherwise.”

“I’m not assuming anything, you know.”

Normally that would have been a relief. Not this time. “I want to see you again.”

“Really?” A smile lit up her face.

“Yeah.” And because I wanted to, I kissed her.

Chapter 8

More dreams

Larry

* * *

Goal scored by number 2, Larry Han, assisted by number 57, Cooper.

I skated into Coop’s chest, hands raised. Yes! This was why I played the game.

I glanced up at the box where the WAGs—wives and girlfriends—of the Blaze players were watching. I wasn’t able to make out Kelli from down here, but I knew she was watching. I made a heart shape with my gloves—not sure anyone else could tell what it was, but she would know. I called her my good luck charm because my stats had improved since we’d been dating.

Sure, it was probably more a matter of fitting in with a new team, but the way she smiled whenever I said it? I would give her all the credit. And with the way I was feeling these days, thanks to her, maybe she played a bigger part than I realized.

Once the game was over, another win, I rushed through my after-game rituals as quickly as possible. I had someone waiting for me. Our jobs often had conflicting schedules, but we were making it work. Anytime the Blaze were in town, I met up with her whenever I was free of team commitments. She came to most of our home games, and we texted, and sometimes sexted, when I was on the road.

This thing between us had happened fast, but I’d been feeling out the waters to see if when her lease came up for renewal, she might move into my place. I couldn’t wait to have her sharing a home with me. I had more dreams for what happened after that, but I was trying not to rush her.

I met her in the friends and family room after the game, and when she threw herself into my arms, we kissed.

We joined some of the other players and partners after the game at the bar, then drove to my place. Since it was Saturday night, she could stay over and sleep in. I loved those lazy mornings together.

Once we were in the condo and I’d hung her coat in the closet, I remembered I’d had a message from my mom. “Oh, by the way, Mom invited us for dinner tomorrow.”

Kelli froze. “What?”

I shrugged. “She invited us for dinner.” Kelli wasn’t moving. “Is that a problem? I thought you liked my parents.” Shit. Did she not?

She finally blinked, but instead of coming back into my arms to pick up where we left off, she pulled out her phone and headed for the kitchen.

“Tomorrow,” she muttered. “Freaking great. What am I supposed to make in less than…twenty hours?” Her voice had gone up high, and somehow I’d messed things up.

Shit!

Kelli

* * *

“You look nervous,” he said, voice careful.