Page 45 of Tangled Vows

Before things could get too intense, I pulled away. Shayla’s pupils were dilated, and she was practically panting. I wanted her, and I could almost swear she wanted me too.

“Let’s get out of here. I can’t wait to get you home,” I added salaciously. Tucking her under my arm, I shot the three men a smirk and led her out of the arena.

Shayla was quiet as I walked her to her car. She was clearly rattled by the interaction she’d had with those men, and I didn’t like it. Not one bit. I should’ve just kept my mouth shut and not stuck my nose in her business, but I couldn’t help myself.

“So, was that a jealous ex?” I asked, and she snorted.

“Jealous? No. Ex? Unfortunately.”

“He looked pretty jealous to me.”

“Trust me. He wasn’t.”

“I don’t know,” I prodded. “I heard him tell you how good you looked.” That was the wrong thing to say. Her step faltered and slowed before she came to a stop.

“You heard all that?”

“I did.” She glanced away, her throat bobbing with a harsh swallow.

“I guess now you know why he’s an ex. I apparently wasn’t good enough for him.”

“That’s bullshit,” I snapped before I could think twice about my reaction. She glared at me, and that fire I craved roared to life in her steely irises. “He’s obviously the one who isn’t good enough for you. And I think we both showed him that.” She huffed out a humorless laugh and crossed her arms over her chest.

“You mean with that pity kiss you planted on me to show him I was taken?”

Pity kiss? Was she serious? Surely she didn’t think it was all for show. She had to realize that what was going on between us was more than just a facade at this point. The only reason Ihadn’t taken her to my bed yet was because of her stupid no sex rule. I was trying to be a gentleman and respect her wishes, but my self-restraint was unraveling by the second.

I took a step toward her, ready to set her straight. She tipped her chin up defiantly, her molten gaze narrowing on mine. Before I could refute her claim, a tricked out SUV skidded to a stop next to us and honked. The tinted driver’s side window rolled down, revealing Kent.

“Hey, a few of us are heading downtown to grab dinner. You wanna come?” he asked in his low drawl. I wanted to finish what I’d started with Shayla, but she’d retreated, putting enough space between us that I got the message. Besides, I was starving after skating my guts out during the game.

I turned to Shayla where she stood huddled next to her car.

“You hungry?” I asked, hoping she’d join us. She nibbled on her bottom lip nervously then shook her head.

“I’m good. I think I’m just going to go home and crash. You should go, though. I’m sure you’re famished after playing so hard.”

I hoped she was telling the truth and wasn't letting what that cocksucker had said about her weight keep her from eating. She was always so adamant that everyone around her properly nourish their bodies. Surely, she wouldn’t let this keep her from following her own advice.

Perhaps she was just trying to put distance between us, but I didn’t like that possibility either. I opened my mouth to protest and offer to just come home when Kent spoke up.

“There you go. Wifey gave you her blessing. Let’s go.”

“Are you sure?” I asked, searching Shayla’s face for any hints of doubt. If I detected even the slightest amount of hesitation, I’d hop in my SUV and follow her home.

“Of course. You guys need to make sure you refuel. You played hard tonight.”

“Yeah, we were pretty kick ass,” Kent agreed.

“Congrats on scoring two goals tonight. It was amazing.”

Kent beamed under her praise, and I wanted to wipe the smug look off his face. I hadn’t gotten any congratulations from my wife, and I’d scored the winning goal, dammit.

“Thanks, Shay.”

“Ready to go?” I asked, diverting Kent’s attention from my wife. I didn’t like the way he looked at her, and I certainly didn’t care for the soft smile she tossed his way. I’d never been the jealous type, but my fake wife was making me feel a lot of things I never expected.

34

---