Page 37 of Play to Win

“We played hockey together.We changed and showered and got dressed in the same locker room all the time.”

“Ah.”She lays two fingers on her chin.“I’m picturing a room full of naked hockey players.I like it.Never mind our game, I’m just going to close my eyes and fantasize for a while.”

Jesus.

“Kidding,” she says.“Who’s turn is it?”

We go back and forth a while longer, and even though I struggle with some questions, I’m learning a lot about her.She likes bubble baths.She’d rather have her hair pulled than scratches on her back.She’d like to do a shot off my abs.And from our conversation with Charles, she likes oral sex.Hmmm.

This isn’t doing much for my persistent semi.By the time we get to L.A.I’m going to be so hard I’ll have to disappear into the bathroom for a fast hand job.

I glance at Lacey.Her cheeks are pink.Maybe she’s a little turned on too?

No doubt there’s some mutual attraction between us.After a few moments of thought, I conclude it’s probably best to address this out in the open.“We’re married.”

“Thank you, Captain Obvious.”

“You’re a real smartass, aren’t you?”

“I have my moments.”

“Okay, I’m trying to be frank here.We’re attracted to each other.”

I fucking love the way her lips curl into a smile.“All right then, if we’re being frank, yes.Yes, we are.”

“Married people have sex.”

“I’ve heard that.”

I laugh.“You’re not helping me.”

“Are you trying to say you want to have sex with me?”

“Uh ...”My tongue feels heavy.So much for being frank.She’s way ahead of me.“Yes, that’s what I’m trying to say.”

“How long till the next rest stop?”

I choke.“I didn’t mean right this minute.Okay, well, I sort of do, but I was thinking bigger picture.”

“Like, when we get to L.A.How many bedrooms do you have?”

“Three.”

“Good.I don’t think we should share a room.”

“Oh.”

“I’m not opposed to sleeping with you, though.”

Jesus.But this is what I wanted.“That’s what I was getting at.What are the terms of our relationship?”

“You’re making this into a business deal?”

“Um ...”

“A business deal that includes sex.”Her eyes narrow.“I don’t like that.”

Hell.Does that mean sex is off the table?“I wouldn’t say it’s a business deal,” I offer carefully.“More like we’re doing each other a favor.”