Page 66 of The Power Play

“You’re missing a certain vibrator from your selection,” I tease.

She looks down at the table and smirks, “That one I think is only for special occasions.”

“What kind of special occasion and how do I make it happen as soon as possible?”

She giggles and then I get a notification at the top of my screen that has me freezing. It’s a text from the last person I want to hear from. Ever.

Tabitha: Hey, can we meet up to talk sometime?

“Char–Charles?” Audrey calls and it pulls me out of the distraction.

“Yeah, sorry, I got a text, so I missed what you said.”

I catch the disappointment on her face before it’s gone quickly. “Oh, I just asked if you had any requests for the night before I go back to the main show.”

“Just one.”

“What’s that?” She leans in, giving me an ample view of her cleavage and her sly smile makes it known that she did it on purpose.

“When you come tonight, my name might not be on your lips, but I sure as shit better be the one you’re thinking about.”

“I can probably make that happen. Should I think about riding your cock or how you felt from behind while you fucked me within an inch of my life?”

“Whichever will make you come the hardest.”

“Deal.”

I endedup watching the rest of Audrey’s show for the night and completely ignoring Tabitha’s text. Just like I’ve ignored the other ones she’s sent every couple days since she came to my game. I don’t know what she’s trying to do, especially when she thinks I’m with Audrey thanks to what Audrey told her. The thought of it makes me smile because I’m sure it pissed Tabitha off to think someone else is getting the lifeshewanted.

I don’t get why now she’s deciding to come back into my life. I made it very clear she wasn’t welcome in it and that’s not going to change. Once my trust is broken, it’s gone. What she did showed her true colors and I don’t want anything to do with a person like that.

No, I want…fuck, I want Audrey, but she’s made it clear that’s not going to happen beyond what we have now. So, I’ll take what I can get.

At morning skate, we prepare for our game tonight at the rink we will be playing in. That’s one thing as the away team is that since the home team has their practice arena, we have to practice at the game rink. Even after all these years in the NHLit is crazy to look out and see all the empty seats, knowing they will be filled with people. I rarely appreciate it during the game because I’m so zoned in, but right now while it’s all empty, I take in the reality that this is my life.

I’m checked by my teammate, McQuaid, “What are you daydreaming about, Mann? Hope she’s hot.”

“Doesn’t matter to you. Chandler would have your balls if you ever thought about another woman.”

“My Bunny knows what she gets with me and that she never has to worry.”

“Right,” I roll my eyes at him before skating away.

After practice we all go back to the hotel to do whatever game day rituals we have. Some guys nap, some have certain meals they have to make sure to eat. I think about Audrey and how she has her rituals as well. I’ve seen things written on sticky notes in her bathroom. They are like mantras or something and I consider adopting them for myself.

I’m being ridiculous, especially when I consider calling her and asking what ones I could use for myself. Or just to hear her voice. I am so fucked for her, but I know I have to play it cool.

While I’m thinking about reaching out to her my phone vibrates next to me and I grab it quickly, hoping she somehow knew I was thinking about her and reached out first.

I’m not that lucky, though, because it’s yet another text from Tabitha and I don’t understand what she’s trying to do, but I really wish she would knock it off. I delete it without even looking at it and then finally block her number. I don’t need her and her drama in my life.

26

We end up coming back from our road trip with three more wins under our belt and our standing looking good for playoffs. It might be early in the season, but it’s still nice to be pulling ahead this early on.

When I get home, I assume Audrey is already sleeping since we got on the plane right after our game. Her door is cracked, but I’m not sure if she wants me to come in. I head into my room, but then take in the still broken bed frame and lopsided mattress thinking about my options. One, I still need to get a new bed frame delivered. Two, I could sleep on the couch. Or three, I can join Audrey in her bed.

Dropping my bag in my room and stripping down to just my boxers, I decide to take the risk. I’ve been so afraid of living my life outside of hockey over these last few years and Audrey makes me want to be more adventurous. Take what I want. Do what I want and not be ashamed of anything.

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