Page 44 of Play to Win

“We also have a second first round pick,” I remind him.“Thanks to that trade for Filmore.”Which was a huge fucking mistake, in my opinion.

“Yeah.And apparently there are some talented guys coming up.”

“Apparently.”I don’t like to talk much about my plans, but I’ve done some preliminary investigation into this as well, and there are a couple of young guys I’ve got my eye on.“Sorry, babe,” I say to Lacey.“Shop talk.”

“That’s okay!I want to learn more about hockey.”

“Not a hockey fan?”Manny asks.

“Well, I grew up in Vegas and we only recently got an NHL team, so I haven’t had much chance to be a fan.But I’m learning!”

“Vegas native, huh.Cool.”

We catch up more on each other’s lives, and then Lacey lays a hand on my arm.“I’m going to go to bed,” she says softly.“Last night really tired me out.”

Manny smirks, then covers his mouth with his hand.

“Okay.See you in a bit.”

“Nice to meet you, Manny.”She rises from the couch.“I’m sure we’ll see a lot of you.I can’t wait to get out on the beach tomorrow.”

“Yeah, nice to meet you too.”

My body tenses as I realize Lacey’s going to go to bed in her own room.What the hell is Manny going to think of that?

But Lacey’s way ahead of me.Which doesn’t happen very often.Not being a jerk, just honest.She climbs the stairs to the master suite.

All righty then.She’s going to be waiting for me in my bed.Now I just need to get rid of Manny ASAP.

But Manny’s not inclined to take off, and when I halfheartedly offer him another beer he accepts.Dammit.

Eventually he realizes he’s keeping me from my bride and says good night.Fucking finally.I turn out the lights and sprint up the stairs into the master suite.It’s dark.The light is on in the bathroom, but the door is open only a crack.I can make out Lacey’s shape under the covers and as I approach the bed I hear her slow, even breathing.

She’s asleep.

I exhale softly.Ah well.She’s tired.

I wash up, ditch my clothes except for boxers, and slide into bed with her.She doesn’t even stir.

* * *

In the morningwhen I wake up, Lacey’s gone.

I roll onto my back and stretch my arms out, staring at the ceiling.Jesus, we’ve been married thirty hours and still no fucking.

Of course, we’ve only known each other about thirty-four hours.

I better cool my jets.

This isn’t a real marriage, but I know she’s interested.I just don’t want to be that guy.She’s been through some shit the last thirty-four hours.She needs someone to take care of her and make sure she’s safe, not a horny jackass trying to jump her sexy bones.

After a shower I trudge downstairs to seek out hopefully coffee and food.I’m a big believer in breakfast, but I’m not sure how well my mom has stocked the kitchen.I find Lacey out on the deck in the early morning coolness, the air damp and fresh from the ocean.She’s got a blanket wrapped around her, her feet tucked under her in the chair, a cup of steaming coffee in her hands, and she’s gazing out at the ocean with a soft smile of wonder on her face.My chest pings.

She glances at me as I slide the door open.“Hey.Morning.”

“Morning.Sleep okay?”

“Oh my God, I died.I sleptsowell.”

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