Page 72 of Offside Devil

“What? Why not? You already kissed. You might as well?—”

“We almost kissed. Then I came to my senses in time to stop it.”

That’s not even true. Mira is the one who pointed out that I probably shouldn’t drive my cock into my son’s nanny four feet away from his bedroom. If she hadn’t said anything, I would have. With her tight body in my hands, I couldn’t think about anything else except feeling even more of her.

That’s why, from this point on, I won’t touch her.

Daniel groans. “Can we give it a rest with the self-inflicted torture?”

“What the fuck does that mean?”

“It means that you like to punish yourself,” he says, like it’s common knowledge. “You are gearing up for one of the biggest seasons of your life, you have this super cool kid, and a hot woman who you definitely like—don’t try to deny it—is living just down the hall. Yet you torture yourself about all of it. I’m aware this is a novel concept, but have you tried enjoying your life?”

He says it like it’s easy. Like it doesn’t lead to nights I can’t remember and nights I desperately wish I could forget.

“I did that for a long time. You know what happens when I ‘enjoy my life.’”

His face immediately twists into a scowl. “Oh, fuck off. If you’re still feeling guilty about the car crash, call Owen or go to a meeting. We did the whole Step 9, ‘making peace with the people you’ve wronged bullshit’ already. I’m doing just fine.” He jabs an accusatory finger in my direction “Unlike you, I am not going to let the beautiful woman who waltzed into my life walk out of it without getting to know me first. Taylor and I are officially going out tomorrow night.”

“Good for you, man. You deserve to be happy.”

He grabs my shoulder and gives me a violent shake. “So do you, for fuck’s sake! Stop being a martyr and kiss Mira. Do more than kiss her, actually. If Taylor’s info is good, Mira hasn’t dated anyone in a long time, either. You both need this.”

I hate that I want to know how long it’s been for her. Who was the last man she took to bed? And where does he live, so I can beat the sight of her naked body out of his head?

I shake off the thought. “I can’t. I’m trying to figure out how to be a dad. I can’t be someone’s boyfriend.”

“Don’t be her boyfriend. Just fuck her.”

“I can’t!” I bark. “I’m an addict, Daniel. Moderation isn’t one of my strengths. When I go in on something, I’m all in.”

Drugs were bad enough. I have a feeling that, once I get a taste of her, I’m not going to be able to stop.

“So go all in with Mira.” He shrugs. “The only person telling you that you can’t is you. Stop pooping on your own party and ask her to be your date.”

I frown. “My date for what?”

“For the Angels’ opening day party. Tomorrow.” He raises his brows, searching my face for any sign of recognition. “It’s where I’m taking Taylor for our first date.”

“Shit. I forgot all about that.”

There will be photographers there snapping pictures as we come in. I wouldn’t put it past Peter Morris and his weird vendetta against me to have a Google alert on my name. It would look suspicious if I showed up to an event like that without my “girlfriend.”

“You have to take someone,” he continues. “The puck bunnies will be out in full force, pouncing on anyone without a date. It’ll be a bloodbath if Zane Whitaker shows up single.”

I snatch my phone off the counter and text Mira. Cancel whatever plans you have tomorrow night.

Daniel peeks over my shoulder and cackles maniacally. “Zane and Mira sitting in a tree, F-U-C-K-I-N-G.”

“I’m doing this for the charade.” I drive my elbow into his stomach and he doubles over with a wheeze. “I’m doing it for Aiden.”

30

MIRA

I spin in front of the mirror, taking myself in from every angle. “I’ve never worn anything like this before.”

“Damn right you haven’t,” Taylor agrees. “If you had, I’d be so hot for you. Who needs men when my best friend has an ass like that?”

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