Page 85 of Forever Player

“That would be lovely,” I say. “And it wasn’t an intrusion, it was really nice to meet you.”

“Aw.” She palms her heart. “It was really nice to meet you too.” She pulls me into her for a tight hug.

I hug her back.

“I’ll drive you guys to the hotel,” Brett says, grabbing his keys.

“Don’t worry, Bro. I already called an Uber.” Henry winks at him.

I try hard not to blush at the fact these people know we are waiting for them to leave so we can jump each other’s bones.

We walk Henry and Ms. Noble to the door.

“Thank you for a lovely evening,” she says.

“It was my pleasure,” I reply. She reaches over and hugs me again. She gives really good hugs too. Holding me tight like I matter to her, even though she just met me.

“Okay, okay,” Brett interrupts. “You’re all coming to my game tomorrow, and I’m sure they’ll be back in the morning to see Maylee.”

“My son must really like you. I can already tell you’re a keeper,” she says.

Her words make me feel too good inside. They make me feel like I may belong with Brett, with his family.

“I like him too,” I admit to her and when my gaze drifts to Brett, I see a warmth in his eyes and I like the way he looks at me. I’ve never felt this before. Liking how someone watches me.

“Have a good night, you two,” Henry says. “Mom, the Uber is going to leave if we don’t get down now.”

Ms. Noble winks at me. “Have a good night, kids.”

“Thanks,” Brett says, and I chime in after him.

They leave and Brett closes the door.

My palms come up to my cheeks. “I’m so embarrassed. They know we wanted them out.”

“They showed up uninvited,” he argues.

“What time is the game tomorrow?” I ask as Brett walks toward me slowly like I’m his prey. I remember him saying something about the game while he was away, but we never really spoke about the details.

“Puck drop is at seven but I’d love for you and Maylee to come for warm-up too.”

“I’d love that.” I look at this man who has stolen my breath from the first time I saw him.

“Good. Now I think we have some unfinished business to take care of.”

“Really? What would that be?” I ask, playing dumb.

“For starters, it involves you putting that little getup you had on before back on,” he urges.

“That could be negotiated, but only if you agree to fuck me like you did that night.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” he asks, looking confused.

“You’ve been amazing ever since you came back to Sugar Meadow with me, but you’ve been treating me like I am a porcelain doll who is going to break. I’m not going to break, Brett. I’m tough. I’m the same woman you had a one-night stand with.”

He hisses, “I’ve just felt so guilty about missing out on so much. But the kid gloves are coming off.”

“Good.” I nod.

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