Page 13 of Puck Me at Midnight

“Spike,” she whispers, her voice trembling.

“Tell me to stop,” I say, my voice rough with restraint.

She doesn’t. Instead, she leans into me, her lips parting as if to say something, but I don’t give her the chance. I close the distance between us, capturing her lips with mine. It’s soft at first, tentative, but when her hands slide up to my chest, gripping my shirt, I lose all sense of control.

The sound of Charlie’s laughter from the living room breaks the moment, and we pull apart, both breathing hard. Her cheeks are flushed, her lips swollen, and I know I’m way over my head.

“We should…” she starts, her voice shaky.

“Yeah,” I agree, stepping back. But as I watch her turn away, I know one thing for sure: I’m not letting her go.

Chapter Ten

Emma

I don’t know what I was expecting when Tilly invited me to join her and the other wives and girlfriends for a spa day. Part of me wants to back out, to hide behind the excuse of needing to stay home with the boys, but something about Tilly’s insistence makes me feel like this could be an opportunity to finally connect. To stop feeling like an outsider in Spike’s world.

So, here I am, nervously stepping into the plush, calming atmosphere of the spa. The scent of lavender and eucalyptus fills the air, and I’m immediately enveloped by the soft lighting and soothing music. I can hear the hum of conversation as the women chat among themselves in the lounge area.

Tilly spots me from across the room and waves, a big, welcoming smile on her face. “Emma! Over here!”

I force a smile, trying to calm the fluttering in my stomach, and make my way over to where she’s sitting with the others. There’s a group of women, all laughing and chatting in that effortless way people do when they’ve known each other for years. I can’t help but feel like the new kid in school, unsure of how to join in.

Tilly introduces me to the women in the group I haven’t met: Lydia, who’s pregnant with her third child and is as warm as she is beautiful; and Zara, whose energy matches the glittering ringon her finger. They all greet me with genuine smiles, and though I’m still a bit hesitant, their warmth makes it easier to breathe.

We settle into plush robes, each of us sipping cucumber water and chatting like we’ve been friends forever. I don’t know how they do it—how they make everything seem so effortless—but there’s an undeniable sense of camaraderie here. It’s as though being the significant other of a player means you’re automatically part of a team, a sisterhood of sorts—not that that’s what I am.

Lydia’s the first to break the ice. “So, Emma, how’s it going with the boys? I’ve heard they’re keeping you on your toes.”

I laugh nervously, trying to sound casual. “They’re great. Sam’s a little firecracker, and Charlie… he’s just so sweet.”

Paisley, sitting across from me, nods thoughtfully. “It’s never easy, especially when you don’t know what to expect. But you’ve got a good heart, Emma. They can tell.” She pauses, giving me a soft smile that feels like a quiet reassurance. “The kids know who’s good for them. You’re doing amazing.”

I blink, surprised by her kindness. “Thanks. I worry about them adjusting to so many changes and wanting to make sure I don’t mess anything up.”

“You’re not alone,” Tilly chimes in, looking at me with that kind, knowing look. “That’s the thing about this family. We’re all in it together.”

I let their words sink in. There’s something so comforting about the idea of not having to do everything alone. It’s something I’ve been holding on to—this need to be independent, to not need anyone. But here, with these women, it feels different. They’ve built this little world where support is given without hesitation. They don’t seem to judge or compete. Instead, it’s a shared bond, and they’re inviting me in.

As we move on to the next stage of the spa treatment, Paisley pulls me aside, her gentle demeanor drawing me in even more.“I know the stuff Spike isn’t easy,” she says softly. “You don’t have to figure it all out on your own, Emma. You can lean into it, little by little.”

Her words are a balm to my jumbled thoughts, settling something inside me that I didn’t even realize needed settling. I’ve been so focused on protecting myself, keeping everything at arm’s length, that I’ve never allowed myself the space to simply feel—truly feel—the connection I have with Spike.

“I don’t even know where to start,” I admit quietly.

Paisley smiles. “It’s all about trust. Trust in yourself, in him, and in what you’re building together. The rest will follow.”

I nod slowly, taking in her words. It’s like a weight has lifted, or at least loosened. I don’t have to carry all of this alone, I realize. Not the fear, not the uncertainty. I’ve got people here, people who understand, and who are more than willing to help me figure it out.

The conversation drifts to other topics as the afternoon wears on, but in the back of my mind, Paisley’s words echo. Lean into it. Lean into him.

By the time we’re finishing up with facials and massages, I feel lighter, not just from the pampering, but from something deeper. I don’t have all the answers, but maybe I don’t need them right now. Maybe, just maybe, I can trust in this—whatever this is with Spike—and let myself enjoy it, without overthinking it.

This afternoon has shown me something I didn’t know I needed: the power of a community, of women who have walked through similar paths and can offer guidance without judgment. For the first time in what feels like forever, I don’t feel so alone.

Chapter Eleven

Spike

---