Page 40 of Huge Pucking Play

I squeeze her hand gently. "She sounds incredible."

"She is." Cyn's eyes shine with pride. "But she was also terrified. Terrified of ever being that vulnerable again."

She takes another sip of wine, gathering her thoughts.

"Every night when she finally got home, she'd sit on the edge of my bed—even if she thought I was asleep—and she'd whisper the same thing." Cyn's voice shifts, taking on the cadence of her mother's words. "'Never make a man your financial plan.'"

"That's a heavy lesson for a kid," I say softly.

Cyn nods. "It became our mantra. When I'd complain about homework being too hard, she'd remind me that education was my ticket to independence. When I wanted to go to the mall with friends instead of studying for the SAT, she'd say, 'Your future self is counting on you not to let her down.'"

Her finger traces a pattern on the tabletop absentmindedly.

"I took it to heart. Studied until my eyes burned most nights. Joined every club that might look good on college applications. And, in the end, it all worked out like we both hoped. I got the scholarships I needed and now I have an amazing job.”

We fall silent, both deep in thought. Finally, I speak. "Thanks for sharing all that. I understand where you’re coming from. And I don’t want to jeopardize what you’ve built."

Cyn's eyes lock with mine, and suddenly, the bar feels too crowded, too public.

“And even with all that, I still want to be with you,” she says, a smile playing on her lips.

My heart stops in its tracks.

"Your place?" she suggests, her voice low.

I nod, trying to keep my excitement in check. "Let's go."

Chapter 13

Cyn

The ride to Garrett’s apartment is charged with anticipation. Every stoplight gives me another chance to change my mind. Another chance to turn around.

The radio plays some pop song about taking chances. I snap it off.

His condo building appears ahead—modern, sleek, exclusive. The kind of place that screams successful NHL coach.

He’s waiting for me next to the visitor’s parking. Damn, he’s gorgeous standing there with a sexy smile on his face. This man…

We barely make it through the door before he’s pulling me close, our lips crashing together.

"God, I've missed this," I breathe against his neck.

He takes my hand and guides me to the bedroom, but a soft meow interrupts us. I pull back, surprised.

"Oh! You have a cat?"

He chuckles. "Yeah, that's Shade. She's usually not this social with strangers."

I kneel down and offer my hand to the curious feline. Shade sniffs at my fingers before rubbing her head against them. I smile, feeling a warmth in my heart.

"She's beautiful," I say, scratching behind Shade's ears. “I wonder how she'd get along with my puppy, Oscar."

"Won’t know until we try, right?" he asks, watching me interact with Shade.

I nod, standing up. "Yeah. Maybe they could have a playdate someday."

I love the thought of our pets meeting though I have no idea what Oscar would think about being around a cat. I’ll have to ask him later…

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