Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 54710 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 182(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54710 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 182(@300wpm)
My jaw drops. “You’re leaving first. Go wash your hands and get the fuck out of here.”
He kisses me again. “I’ll be waiting here for you later. And even though it feels like I’m ignoring you down there, you’re all I’m thinking about.”
His words are the hit of euphoria I need to get through the next few long, painful hours. I adjust my dress, check myself in the mirror, and walk over to the door, looking at him over my shoulder.
“I know you’ll be thinking about me. You’ll have no choice.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Noel
It’s all I can do to keep my attention on Randy Seager, a retired player who recently built a home outside Cleveland. We were teammates for two seasons, and I haven’t seen him in a long time.
“It’s all different now,” he says. “They don’t let the boys fight anymore.”
“Right.”
He looks over his shoulder, following my gaze. Jules is laughing at something Isaac just said, and she brushes her fingers over his forearm. I want to throw my glass tumbler at his head.
“Is she with Isaac? She’s fine as hell.”
I keep my response noncommittal, even though I’m raging inside. “No. She’s our social media manager.”
He hums in amusement. “That was a smart hire.”
“She’s good at her job.” I’m beyond aggravated at her right now, but I won’t let him insinuate she was only hired for her looks.
Since she got back to the ballroom, she’s been smiling sweetly at every man she talks to, making it look like she’s fascinated by them. She’s doing it because she wants to make me crazy, and I guess I’m a simple man because it’s working.
Audra’s been at my house since I got back from our last road trip, and I’ve spent most of my personal time trying to convince her to leave Kyle. It shouldn’t be as hard as it is. I’ve told my girls, and shown them through my actions, that a man never puts his hands on a woman in anger. One time is the last time, even if it means I have to go incapacitate Kyle to keep him from doing it again.
When I lie in bed at night, my thoughts are always of Jules. I’ve never felt such an instinctive, animalistic pull toward a woman before. It’s never been a decision. I’m genuinely crazy about her.
I thought she’d want a man her own age, just like I assumed I’d one day want a woman my age who’d been through a divorce and had kids. But a woman my age would come with the same scars and reservations I have. Jules is all passion.
When she was in my arms earlier, she was all mine. Every fiber of her being belonged to me. I can make her come apart, and unlike many of my players, I’d never think of her as just another woman. Younger men don’t get that a woman like Jules is rare.
“Lungren’s really stepped up,” Randy says. “Never thought you guys would stay above five hundred without Stanton.”
“Yeah.” Fuck, it’s nice to have something to focus on other than the way Jules looks in that dress. “I’m glad to have him. Nice guy, too. He doesn’t take this comeback for granted.”
“Hey, Coach, is it okay if I take a photo of you and Mr. Seager?”
Jules is all big eyes and innocent smile, but I’m thinking about the way she moaned when I touched her clit. It’s been about an hour since then, but it feels like longer. I’d write a massive check to the foundation if it would end this party and get me upstairs with Jules.
“It’s Randy, please. And you are?”
“Jules Barlow. I’m the social media coordinator for the Crush.”
“Lucky them.”
Randy gives her an appreciative once-over, making me clench my teeth until a muscle in my jaw ticks. I’m quick to pose with Randy to get his attention off Jules. She takes a few photos and then leaves with a light wave of her fingers, her eyes locking onto mine in a meaningful one-second look.
Watching her go, Randy gives an appreciative hum. “That’s a ripe peach if I’ve ever seen one.”
“I need to go talk to Hudson.” I reach out to shake his hand. “Great seeing you, man.”
“Yeah, you too. Let’s get lunch sometime.”
“Sounds great.”
It doesn’t, but pretending is part of my job sometimes. Randy’s married, and I never acted like he just did when I was married. Even when I was miserable in my marriages, I was faithful. I didn’t do or say anything I wouldn’t have done or said in front of my wives. I expected the same from them, but I didn’t get it. Maybe I’m too idealistic.
I find Hudson and meet some more foundation donors who want to talk hockey. I deliberately keep my back to Jules because I can’t risk getting a visible hard-on.