Page 64 of Mistle-Ho

“Not tonight.” I wrestle my T-shirt over my still damp skin. “I’ve got to take care of my iguana.”

Owen’s nose wrinkles. “Is that code for jacking off? Because if it is, then you should definitely come out and find someone else to handle that shit for you.”

I finish dressing and shove both feet into my runners. “And how’s that working out for you?”

Owen grins. “Not well.”

That’s the thing with Owen. He doesn’t take much outside of rugby seriously. That includes himself. “Then one more night of taking matters into your own hand won’t kill you.”

My winger buddy’s face lights up. “Does that mean you’ll come out tomorrow?”

I glance at Leo’s retreating figure. He’s sure as shit not gonna go out, and I know Owen’s not going to shut up until he gets what he wants. “Sure. I’ll go out tomorrow.”

I don’t plan to stay out, but I didn’t really stay out even before Alexis. I always managed to find a reason—a pretty one—to skip out early. So no one will be surprised if I do it again.

Hell, they might even celebrate it. They’ve all been giving me shit about my sudden and lingering celibacy. I don’t have any intention of telling them that streak has ended.

Like Leo said, my personal life is no one’s business.

“I knewyouwouldn’t let me down.” Owen slaps me on the shoulder. “I’m gonna go find us some company.”

I shake my head as he walks away, hoping Alexis won’t give me too much shit over making plans for tomorrow. Going outisn’t her favorite thing. She hates the crowds and the noise and the general overstimulation that comes with many of the bars in Sweet Side.

Which reminds me. I should have a package to pick up at home.

After collecting my shit, I pile into my Hummer and head out. Sure enough, when I get home, there’s a delivery waiting on me. I drop the noise reducing earplugs I ordered for Alexis onto the counter before going to check on Cilantro and the iguana Al dubbed Scary Terry, even though the thing is about as far from frightening as it gets.

I reload the lizard’s food and water, making sure the temperature in his enclosure is within the right range, then grab Cilantro and carry her into the living room. She purrs on the sofa next to me, kneading the cushion as I add a few rows to the scarf I’ve been secretly working on when Al’s not around.

Which isn’t often.

We’ve spent nearly every evening together for the past two and a half weeks, and it’s been fucking magical. Since we’re still early in the pre-season, I’m usually finished with practice before she gets off work, so I make us dinner, adding a few rows to the scarf I plan to give her the day of our first home match while it cooks. Then she comes over, we eat and watch television and talk and joke.

Then we go to bed and fuck like animals.

I’m just finishing up a row when my cell starts to ring. I grab it, expecting to see Leo’s name across the screen. Instead, it’s Alexis calling me.

She’s never called me before and my stomach clenches in excitement at this new development. This new level of connection.

I quickly swipe across the screen. There’s no hiding my eagerness to talk to her, even if I wanted to, so I don’t botherpretending her call isn’t the most important thing at this moment. “Hey.”

Alexis lets out a relieved sounding sigh. “You answered.”

“Of course I answered.” There’s something off in her tone and it has me standing. “What’s wrong?”

She groans. “My freaking car won’t start.”

A slow smile spreads across my face. Not because I’m happy about her car—I don’t like that it left her stranded. But Iamhappy that I’m the one she called. The one she counted on.

“I’m on my way.” I have my keys in my hand before she can say another word. “Are you still at work?”

“Ugh. Yes.” She blows out another loud sigh. “I would be way less pissy about it if I could wait in the comfort of my own apartment. Instead I’m stuck standing here in the parking garage.”

“Go back up to the office and hang out there.” I don’t like the thought of her being uncomfortable while she waits for me. “I’ll come up when I get there.”

“Yeah? You don’t mind?” She sounds skeptical and it makes me regret not kicking Big-Nose’s ass even more. Then again, he’s clearly set the bar low as hell.

“Of course I don’t mind, Al. What kind of man would want you to wait for him in a hot car?” I know what kind. I just want to make sure she sees the difference between me and anyone who came before.

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