Page 46 of Stick Play

“It’s your call, Gina.” Ash touches my arm. “If you need to get the kids home, I understand.”

I frown, and work out the logistics in my head. “I did bring clothes for them, so they do have something to sleep in.”

“I want to sleep in Ash’s jersey again,” Zoe informs me with a pout.

I glance down as I consider it. “I am off work tomorrow. I suppose we could all get up a little earlier, and I could run Zoe into school, and then head?—”

“How about I take Camryn and Tate back to Sparrow Springs? I’m sure Dad will be feeling better, and would like to get out for a drive.”

“I’ll probably feel better in the morning. Just need some meds,” he tells me.

“If it gives you comfort for me to stay, then I’ll stay.”

“I think that’s for the best,” Melanie agrees quietly, and puts her hand on my shoulder. “We’re right here if you need anything.”

“Okay, thanks.” I give Mel and Brady a hug and we all head outside. The kids are excited for another sleepover and honestly, I hate to admit it, but I am too. I should be putting a measure of separation between Ash and me even though we agreed to extend this friends with benefits relationship, but I just don’t have the strength to do it. Come tomorrow, though, when I’m back at my own place, I’m sure things will be a little easier.

After we get the kids into one vehicle and Ash and Grant into the other, we drive the short distance to Ash’s place. He left the outside lights on and there’s such a warmth about his place. I can see why the kids like it here. I like it here too.

“Okay, little ones, we wash up and then it’s straight off to bed. School in the morning.”

“No school,” Tate mutters, barely able to keep his eyes open.

“No, you don’t go to school, but you must be happy to see your mom and dad and Mabel.”

He hugs the stuffed toy in his hand. “I miss Mabel.”

Mabel was kenneled this week while they were away. I couldn’t take her. I have no space for a dog that big and Zoe is after me for a pet as it is. If she got used to having Mabel around, I’d never hear the end of it.

If she got used to having Ash around…

Grant gets out of the car ahead of us in the driveway and worry zings through me. Maybe tomorrow he should go to his doctor or a clinic for a checkup. I can be here tonight, but this is my last night. I’m back at my place tomorrow and Ash is back to hockey, and there won’t be anyone around if anything happens. I make a note to talk to Ash about it.

As the kids excitedly head up to the house, a smile touches my lips. Everyone is so happy. Heck, I am happy too. It was so much fun getting out tonight and having dinner with friends. Having Ash and his dad there. There was a strange kind of fullness in my heart that I haven’t felt since…ever.

I shake my head. I might hate what Lucian did to me, but what I got out of the deal in the end is priceless. I haven’t checked his socials in years. A part of me suddenly wonders if his wife ever found out, and if she did, would she have stayed. They have two kids together, and I just couldn’t be a homewrecker.

As those dark thoughts invade, I push them down, and as Grant opens the door to the house and the kids pile in, Ash waits for me. With no one looking, he drags me to him in the dark, and lightly kisses me.

“You sure you don’t mind staying?”

“No, not if Grant needs me.”

“What if I said I needed you?”

My heart jumps into my throat. Do I want him to need me? I kind of think I do, but of course he only means sexually. His arms circle my body, and when I feel his swelling cock against my stomach, it confirms that theory. While I like that he needs me physically, I wasn’t hoping that he needed me other ways too, was I?

God, this is so not going to be good for my mental health when it’s over.

“Mommy, are you coming?”

I break away fast from Ash, and hurry up the walkway. Zoe has a grin on her face when I enter the house. “Mommy, were you kissing Ash?” she asks.

Oh, God.

“No, I had something in my eye, and he was helping me get it out.” I blink to really pull it off, and then say, “I think we got it.” She stares at me for a moment, like she’s not sure she believes that or not, and I put my hands on her shoulder, and turn her around. “Bedtime, young lady.”

She mumbles something about wishes, and hurries up the stairs. I follow them up and glance in to find Grant in his room.

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