Page 224 of The Blame Game

And in the morning, when Dom awoke to Shea’s mouth on his cock and the Cup across the room, bathed in the light of the rising sun, Dom decided that life probably didn’t get better than this.

The hockey gods had blessed him indeed.

A week later, Shea slipped his key into the lock, letting himself into his old apartment in Leslieville. He stepped inside, feeling a pang of nostalgia.

God, he hadn’t been here in so long.

As he looked around, he realized it no longer felt like home at all.

He blinked when he got to the living room. And it definitely didn’t look the way he’d left it.

There were boxes stacked along one side, the area rug had been rolled up and leaned against the wall, and Audra sat on the bare floor on a throw blanket, a few cushions scattered about.

“Uhh, what the fuck?” Shea said. “What’s going on? Are you moving out? Is that why you wanted me to come over tonight?”

She rose to her feet, smoothing down her sundress. “Yeah. I wasn’t sure how to break it to you so I figured I’d go for the most dramatic option possible.”

Shea laughed and stepped closer, skirting around the takeout bags from their favorite Mexican restaurant, pitcher of margaritas, and salt-rimmed glasses. “Well, congrats, I guess?” he said, confused.

“Thanks.” She smiled, looking nervous. “I’m no longer working for Select.”

He frowned. “Your choice or theirs?”

“Mutual?” She shrugged. “The whole thing with Mark and you getting blackmailed by Joe was kind of the last straw for me and for them. I … I’m ready for a fresh start. I loved working there but I want—I want something new. Something different. There’s so much of the world to explore still, you know?”

“Yeah, I get that. It’s just … wow. I can’t believe you’re leaving.” Shea reached out, pulling her in for a hug.

Audra hugged him back tightly, then smiled. “It was time for me to find something new anyway. I’m not getting any younger, you know.”

“You would have been a stunning escort at eighty,” Shea said.

She laughed and rolled her eyes. “I want to leave while I still enjoy it.”

Shea nodded. He understood that.

“Besides, I can hardly turn down a fashion job in Paris, can I?” she said brightly.

“Paris?” he echoed.

“Yes.” She pursed her lips. “Someone high up in Select has connections. She got me a job as a buyer for Dior.”

Shea whistled. “Swanky.”

“Quite.” She shrugged. “Plus, it gets me out of the company and away from this situation. I know everything’s been pretty quiet but I feel better knowing I won’t have to keep looking over my shoulder.”

“I get that. That’s smart and the new job is obviously a great opportunity. It’s just, I’m going to miss you.”

She smiled and cupped his cheek. “I’ll miss you too. But I thought we’d go out with a bang and enjoy some burritos and margs before I leave. One last hangout before our lives go in different directions.”

“I’m glad you asked me to come over.”

“Well, I needed someone to take care of the plants.” She gestured around.

Shea laughed. “I can do that. I don’t know what I’m doing but Jonah’s an expert, apparently. I’ll have to ask him.”

“Perfect. Dom won’t mind?”

“Nah. He told me to make the condo my home.”

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