Page 55 of Sleepless Nights and Hockey Fights

I stare down at her, then shake my head slowly. “I’m not sure I’ll ever understand women.”

Molly grabs my arm and wraps it around her, forcing me back into our spooning position. “I’m not sure I understand myself sometimes,” she sighs, then yawns.

Laying there in the dark, I let that sit with me for a bit. I’m not even sure if Molly’s still awake, but sometime later, I whisper into her hair. Or at least what I think is her hair, who the hell knows anymore? “You don’t need to do that shit for me. I love you just the way you are.”

I have exactly thirty minutes to be part of this conversation with Matthew. Molly and I planned to tell him after my practice and before the game. We both agreed to keep it casual and not make it a huge deal. We’re dating, not getting married.

Afterward, I have to get back to the arena and get ready for the game. Molly and Matthew will drive there on their own and find their seats. I bought the tickets right next to Kaitlyn’s normal seats. She told me she’d stay as long as she could to keep them company until Mei got sick of the loud noises. For the rest of the season, I’ll be sure to get them passes for the WAGs suite.

Running up the walkway, I don’t bother knocking. “Hey! Anybody home?” I call out as I stick my head inside Molly’s house. Stepping inside and glancing around, I studiously ignore the spot on the floor where we made love that first time.Stay focused, dickhead.

“Hey, Bobby,” Matthew calls back, appearing down the hallway and coming closer with a happy smile on his face. “Mom says we have tickets to the game tonight?”

We do a fist bump, handshake thing, and then I hand him the box with the other jersey. “Yeah, dude. Got great tickets and a jersey for you.”

Molly rushes down the hall, looking cute as a button in ripped jeans, Ugg boots, and my jersey on. I have to bite my lip to keep from leaning over and kissing her when she sidles up to Matthew to watch him open the gift.

“I get a jersey too?” he asks, ripping the box open and holding up the shirt. “Thanks, man!” He goes to dart back down the hallway to put it on, but Molly tugs him back.

“Hold up a second, Matthew. We wanted to talk to you real quick.”

Matthew’s eyes open wide, all that hockey game excitement gone. “I didn’t get in trouble today, I swear, Mom.”

Molly laughs, but I can tell she’s nervous. She refuses to look at me or step too close. “Actually, that’s not what this is about. Bobby and I wanted you to hear it first.” She pauses, swallows hard, then clears her throat.

Silence.

Oookay. She’s not good at this. I step closer to them both, slide my arm around Molly’s waist, and pull her into my side. She’s stiff as a board, so I take over. “What your mom is trying to say is that we’re dating.”

Matthew looks between us and then gives me a man-to-man head nod of approval. “Okay. It’s kind of sus, but then again, having my mom date a hockey player isn’t all bad.” Matthew leans in closer to me, his face a mask of seriousness. “Be nice to her though, or I’ll have to kick your ass.”

“Matthew!” Molly snaps, appalled.

Matthew steps back and grins. “What, Mom? Just tellin’ it like it is. It’s a guy thing. Right, Bobby?”

I nod, but pull my arm from Molly’s waist to step aside with Matthew. “Can you grab us some water, Molly?”

She huffs, but then decides to leave the room and give the two of us time to chat. I don’t take her trust around her son lightly. I round on Matthew, making sure I’m looking him straight in the eye.

“Hey, I’d never do anything to hurt your mom or you. If there’s ever a problem, a misunderstanding, or I step on your toes, I want you to know you can come to me. We’ll talk it out and make it right, okay?”

Matthew nods. “Okay.” We shake hands and then he tosses the jersey over his shoulder and backs down the hallway. “Wait ‘til I tell my friends. They’re gonna shit themselves.”

“Watch your language, Matthew Sparks!” Molly comes back in the room with two water bottles.

“Sorry, Mom!” His door slams shut, and Molly and I stare at each other.

“That went . . . well?” I say tentatively.

Molly nods, her teeth worrying her bottom lip. I reach up and pull her lip away, then dip my head to kiss her.

“It went great. Quit worrying.” I pull her into my arms and sway us side to side. When I feel her body start to relax in my arms, I whisper, “You look fucking hot in my jersey, baby. Can’t wait to fuck you while you wear it.”

“Bobby!” She slaps my chest, and I laugh, feeling like everything in my life is finally working out.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Molly

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