Page 246 of Sin Bin

“Clearly,” Dubinski joked from behind them. “Look at all the scratches on his back. I’m guessing he didn’t get those from wrestling a wild tiger.”

Logan’s grin widened.

Hunter chuckled. “I’m glad dinner went well. Since you obviously didn’t get much sleep last night, you should probably go home and take a long nap so you’ll be rested for tonight’s game.”

“Oh, I’m definitely hitting the sack when I get home,” Logan promised.

“Without Meadow,” Hunter emphasized.

Logan just laughed.

Like many players, Hunter thought having sex on game days was a bad idea. Logan had never subscribed to that belief and he sure as hell wasn’t about to start now.

On the way home, all he could think about was Jupiter waiting for him. He imagined her sleeping soundly in his bed, beautiful and serene. He imagined sneaking under the covers, parting her thighs and sliding his mouth over her warm pussy. He imagined her coming slowly awake, arching with pleasure and moaning his name as his tongue went to work.

He got so turned on that he floored the gas pedal to get home faster. He was still sporting a boner when he stepped through his front door and looked around, listening for any sound of Jupiter.

All was quiet. She must have obeyed his orders and stayed in bed.

Good girl, he thought with a satisfied grin.

Careful not to make a sound, he put his gear bag down. Then he took his boots and socks off, picked them up and started tiptoeing down the hall.

Halfway to the bedroom, his phone rang in the front pocket of his hoodie.

Startled, he dropped his boots with a loud thud. Cringing and cursing under his breath, he retrieved the phone and looked at the screen. His irritation evaporated when he saw Lakendra Howell’s number.

He thumbed the answer button. “Hey, Lakendra.”

When he heard her sobbing quietly on the other end, alarm shot through him. He gripped the phone tighter, his heart pounding as he demanded, “What’s wrong? Did something happen to Davion?”

“No, no. Davion’s fine. I’m calling about the house! Oh my goodness, Logan! I don’t even—” She burst into fresh tears.

Relief whooshed through him. He’d been so caught up in Jupiter that he’d almost forgotten what day it was.

“You should have seen my face when your real estate agent showed up at my door with keys to a new house,” Lakendra exclaimed. “At first I thought it was a scam! Then I thought somebody was playing a cruel prank on me! I knew darned well I didn’t enter no contest to win a house, and I don’t know anyone who would have entered my name without telling me!”

“Congratulations on the new house,” Logan said, feigning a bewildered tone. “I’m really happy for you. But there must be some misunderstanding. I didn’t—”

“You don’t have to do that, Logan,” Lakendra interrupted with a teary laugh. “You don’t have to pretend. I made your real estate agent tell me who she really was. I wouldn’t accept the keys from her until she told me the whole truth. Oh, Logan,” Lakendra said in a choked-up voice. “This house is beyond my wildest dreams. I don’t even know what to say. There are no words to describe how grateful I am.”

“You mean you’re not mad?” Logan asked cautiously.

“No!” She let out another watery laugh. “I mean, I was at first. Maybe more shocked than mad. But I realized it’s not about me or my pride. It’s about doing what’s best for my boys. It’s about giving them a better life and a chance to succeed. It’s about—” She broke off, her voice hitching with emotion. “I’m sorry. I’m just a little overwhelmed right now. But in a good way.”

Logan smiled softly. His throat was so tight he could barely squeeze out any words.

“The boys and I had just gotten back from church. The pastor’s sermon was about persevering through hard times and trusting God to deliver blessings when we least expect it. I definitely wasn’t expecting anything like this.” She laughed and sniffled. “I can’t think of a better homecoming gift for Davion. He’s gonna lose his mind when he walks into this house. And when he sees his new room? Oh, boy!”

Logan chuckled warmly. “If there’s anything about the décor you want to change—”

“No. Absolutely not. Everything’s perfect. Seriously, Logan. The house looks just like a model home!” Her delighted smile came through the phone. “Davion’s little brothers are so excited. When we got here, they squealed so loud I thought my eardrums would burst! They ran from room to room checking everything out and hollering in amazement. Now they’re upstairs in the game room playing video games. I could never afford to buy them Nintendo or PlayStation, and now they have both. And that backyard! The boys can’t believe they have their own swimming pool!” She laughed. “I told them not to say a word to Davion. We’re throwing him a surprise homecoming party when he gets out. You have to come, Logan. Having you there will mean everything to Davion.”

Logan smiled. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“Good,” Lakendra said warmly. “Your real estate agent is such a nice lady. She walked me through the house, showed me where everything is and gave me all the necessary paperwork. She says the HOA dues are paid up for several years, and you even arranged for a driver to take the boys to school so they can finish out the year before starting their new school this fall.” She sounded awed and grateful. “You really thought of everything.”

Logan leaned back against the wall. “I didn’t want you to have to worry about anything. I just want you and the boys to enjoy settling into your new home and community.”

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