Page 120 of Play to Win

“This one looks like a rooster, see?But I can also make an elephant.”

“What is that?”

“I told you.A willie warmer.Peter heater.”I pause.“Cock sock?”

“Jesus.”

“I don’t think this is big enough for you, though.”

He rubs his mouth.“This isn’t going how I planned.But I should have known that, when it comes to you.”

“You always have a plan, don’t you?”I motion to the couch.“Have a seat.Would you like a drink?I’d offer you a toke but I only had one.”

“Thank Christ for that.I’m good.”He walks over to the couch and sits, setting a colorful gift bag on the floor.

I take a seat too.“So what’s your plan?”

He sits.“Aren’t you still mad at me?”

“Yeah.”I resume my knitting.“Why are you here?”

He doesn’t answer right away.Then he starts laughing and shaking his head.

I stop knitting and cock my head.“What’s so funny?”A smile tugs at my lips.

He laughs harder, falling back into the couch cushions.“You.This.Us.Jesus, Lacey.”

“Uhhhh ...”

“Yeah, I had a plan.I came here to bring you home.After I grovel for a while.We’re not getting a divorce.”

“Oh.”A bubbly sensation starts fizzing in my chest.I set aside the willie warmer, my eyes fastened on his face.“Please proceed with the groveling.”

He stops laughing, though his lips still twitch.He slides off the couch and moves in front of me on his knees.He takes my hands.“It wasn’t supposed to be quite like this ...you will remember this, won’t you?”

“Of course.I’m not stoned.”

“Just a little high.”

“Actually, I think it’s wearing off because I’m starting to freak out.”My heart is racing so fast it’s in my throat.My hands are trembling and I curl my fingers around his.

“Don’t freak out.Okay, first ...I’m sorry.I’m so, so sorry.I fucked everything up.”

“Yeah.”

He huffs another laugh and drops his head forward briefly.“I don’t believe anything was going on between you and JP.”

I meet his eyes, all humor disappearing.“Really?”

He holds my gaze steadily.“Really.Okay, I was upset when I walked in and found you two.I was shocked, and you can understand why.”

“Yes.”My tone is soft.

“But once I thought about it and analyzed the odds of something like that happening again?—”

I can’t stop the laugh that escapes my lips.“Oh my God.”

“And the fact that I do trust you, Lacey ...I knew there was nothing going on.”

---