Page 128 of Mr. Charming

“Jealous?” I grin.

“Fuck yeah, you guys are unbeatable this season,” Kane says.

Jana steps up to me. “I’m going to let you guys talk, and I’m going to find the other women.” She looks me in the eyes. “Thank you for the apology, and I want to say I’m sorry too. We’ve had a lot of regrets, and letting you go was at the top of our list. Which was why we tried to get you back.” She glances at her husband. “Unsuccessfully. But I heard a rumor, and I’m happy to see all the stars are aligning again. And when you’re on that bus with the Cup in your hand and your girl on your side, just remember… you have me and Kane to thank.” She laughs. “Just kidding. Good luck for the rest of the season, and this better mean you’re coming down to Florida to visit. Payton and Axton still talk about you at Ford’s retirement party and how you got the whole room to dance.” She hugs me.

“You can count on it. Thank you.”

She kisses Kane on the cheek. “Now I need some girl time. See you, boys.”

Aiden and Warner come over, and we talk hockey, life, and all of their stories involving kids and wives and trips make me excited for the adventures Tedi and I are going to have.

Finally, I feel as though I’m on track to have the life I’ve always wanted.

Sixty-One

Tedi

I tuck myself into a corner near a large potted plant and send a text to Tweetie.

He’s across the room with Aiden, Warner, Rowan, and Henry. At first, I felt bad for Lyric. Other than dinner, neither of us has really talked to our dates. But Decker’s taken the responsibility of getting her a drink and keeping her entertained. I was ready to send her to an expensive spa and give her the works, but she’s been chatting with Decker since Tweetie and I left the table separately. Maybe I made a love connection.

Tweetie pulls his phone out of the inside of his tuxedo jacket, and I watch the small smile crease his lips when he reads my message. He searches the room, and when his gaze lands on me, butterflies flutter in my tummy from his knowing smile.

He tucks his phone back into his pocket and excuses himself, disappearing through the doors into the hallway.

I follow a short distance behind. When I reach it, the door to the coatroom is barely open, so I look both ways. Not seeing anyone, I slide in, shutting the door behind me.

I’m not more than two feet inside before an arm hooks me around my waist and pulls me between two rows of coats. My back lands against the wall, and Tweetie’s body cages me in.

“That was sexy,” I whisper.

He waggles his eyebrows in the dim light. “I’ve got moves better than that.”

“I know you do.”

I kind of love the fact he hasn’t even tried to kiss me yet. That he’s just happy to have me alone in a room.

“You’ve been like a politician the way you’re working the room tonight.”

He rests his forehead against mine, breathing me in. “I’ve been a horrible date.”

“I think Decker’s probably thankful for that.”

He draws back, and I nod.

“Does that mean I get you alone in the car on the ride home?” His fingers roam over my ribcage, his thumbs close to the bottom of my breasts. It only makes me grow hotter for him as my nipples pebble.

“We do have to keep up appearances, but if we outstay everyone, I can’t see why not.”

“Thank fuck, ’cause I have plans.”

“Oh, what kind of plans?”

“My hand sliding up your dress.” He bunches the fabric, pulling it up, and his knuckles drag up my thigh.

My breath hitches. “I like the sound of that.”

“We’d have to be quiet because the driver does not get to see any part of you.”

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