Page 81 of Play to Win

“See you later, sweetheart.”He passes a hand over my hair.

I smile.“’Kay.”

Moments later I hear him leaving the house, his car starting and then pulling away.

I sigh.This bed is lovely ...luxuriously soft yet supportive, with silky sheets and pillows that smell like Théo.I roll over and breathe in the scent of him.

For a while I hover between sleep and wakefulness, delicious sex dreams floating through my mind.Wow.

I could lie here all day like this.

Except ...as I become more alert, my eyes opening to stare at the ceiling, the fact that Théo has left the house because he has a job to go to makes me feel ...useless.I haven’t been unemployed since I was fifteen.

Feeling like a slug, I throw back the covers and slide out of bed.I’m naked, but I’m home alone, so I pad downstairs to shower and get dressed.I feel my thigh muscles as I walk, which is a reminder of last night’s activities and how hot they were.And I get a little hot again, thinking about that.

I spend the day walking on the beach, wandering the neighborhood, and playing with Byron when Taylor gets home from work.I eat a solitary dinner, as Théo texts me he’s working late.And the next day is much the same.

Wednesday morning, I sit at the kitchen table with my phone and a cup of coffee, scrolling through social media and news sites.A text message notification pops up and I tap it.It’s from Théo’s mom.

Hi Lacey!Théo gave me your number, I hope you don’t mind.I was wondering if you’d have lunch with me today?

Eep.My eyes pop wide open.I sit back in the chair.Well, it’s not like my schedule is already full.I can’t even think of an excuse to make.So, what the heck.I send her back a message saying I’d love to.

She says she’ll pick me up, since she knows I have no car.That has to change.And I need to find a job.Even if I’m only going to be here a short time, I need to do something.To be productive.I’ll figure it out.

Since I have time, I go for another walk on the beach, letting the wind dry my hair, inhaling fresh sea air.There’s something so calming and centering about the ocean.When I’m almost back at Théo’s place, I plant my butt in the soft pale sand near the lifeguard stand, wrap my arms around my legs, and stare at the water.

Théo and I have slept together every night, and it’s amazing.I just wish I saw him moreoutof bed.Or maybe ...I just need something more to occupy my time.

I knew we were going to do the deed at some point.We’d both admitted we were attracted to each other, and the sparks between us were only increasing even though he’d said we shouldn’t get involved that way.I hope he’s not angry about it.I don’t think I pushed him into it.But I was definitely willing.

I smile, resting my chin on my knees.Oh yeah, I was willing.And I’m willing to do it again.And again.

Seeing him with his family over the weekend only intensified the attraction.It made me feel ...protective of him, which is weird.But also admiring.He was calm and unwavering in the face of criticism about taking this job.He kept a sense of humor despite the tension that buzzed the entire evening.He’s so smart and knowledgeable about what he does, his family—even the older generations who’ve been in the hockey world a lot longer than he has—listened to his every word.

That all made me want him even more.And when we had sex ...it was more intense than I’d expected.

I shake my head and stand, brushing sand off my shorts.I better get ready for lunch.

I change into a sundress and flip-flops, hoping this is appropriate.I use some product on my hair to tame the frizz—it dried into nice waves, but it’s a little wild.

Aline Gagnon rings the doorbell this time, instead of just walking in.I smile as I answer the door, remembering that.“Hi.Come in.”

“Hi, Lacey.You look so pretty.What a cute dress.”

“Thanks.I just need to grab my purse and I’m ready to go.”

“Perfect.”

Soon we’re driving along Pacific Avenue, with the top of Aline’s little BMW convertible down, the sun on our faces and the wind in our hair.

“What a lovely day,” Aline says, big sunglasses perched on her nose.

“It really is.I love Las Vegas, but I’m enjoying the ocean and the cooler temperatures.”

She’s a confident driver.She pulls up at a big hotel right on the beach and lets a valet take her car.I’m a little in awe of her ease with this, and follow her into the elegant lobby.

“We’ll go to the café here,” she says.“It’s more casual.”

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