Page 70 of Sleepless Nights and Hockey Fights

When I feel like she’s had enough, I take in her pink cheeks, bright smile, hair gone curly at her temples as strands escape the ponytail, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful woman. I let her glide right into my body and put my hands on her hips to absorb the impact.

“Oof!” Molly laughs. “I don’t think I know how to brake yet.”

I shake my head, thinking I don’t know how to put the brakes on how I feel about her either. I’m head over skates in love with this woman. Somehow, I need to do everything in my power tobe who she needs in her life so she’ll keep me. Because from where I’m standing, I’m getting way more out of this than she is.

“I don’t either,” I mutter, making her frown with confusion. And then I kiss her, hot enough to melt the ice.

Chapter Thirty

Molly

I punch my pillow for the third time and throw off my covers. It’s too hot in here. Or maybe I just miss lying next to Bobby. Either way, it’s been an hour and a half, and I’m clearly not falling back asleep, so I get out of bed and pad to the kitchen with my phone. The screen reads 4:02.

I lay my bill folder and checkbook on the kitchen table and switch on the coffee maker, turning on only enough light so I can read. May as well use my insomnia to be productive. With the commission from my biggest sale this year in the bank now, I can finally afford the dishwasher repair and even add something extra to my retirement account and Matty’s college fund.

We’re set to close on Bobby’s new house next week, but I refuse to count my chickens on that one before they hatch. Because that commission is going to be huge. Sure, Coco gets her cut, but my measly 3% is still going to be three times this latest one. Just one more thing I owe Bobby for.

Maude and Jason shared plenty of smug looks when they found out Bobby chose a house in a lower price bracket thanthey expected, but I ignored them the best I could. The house is perfect for Bobby, and that’s all I care about.

I sift through the bills and see one for Blake’s gym membership, so I do what I always do. Take a photo and text it to him. I swear I’ll still be getting mail for him at this house in ten years.

When my phone vibrates on the table, I glance at it to see Blake calling me.

“Hey, what are you doing up?” I ask as soon as I accept the call.

“I was just about to ask you the same thing.” His voice is scratchy.

“Oh, haven’t I told you about the wonderful new midlife gift Mother Nature has bestowed on me? Insomnia. Every freaking morning at 2:36am for some reason.”

“Damn, that sucks. You used to sleep like a rock.”

“Those were the days. But seriously, why are you awake? You never go to sleep until at least two.”

“We got a dog.”

“You got a dog? You, who travels half the year?” I smile into the phone.

“Okay,Lukegot a dog. A puppy. And the damn thing has to go outside to pee every hour, I swear. I’m standing outside in my pajama pants right now.”

The visual makes me snicker quietly. We used to have a rabbit way back when, but Blake always swore dogs were too much trouble and expense. I guess it goes to show how your mind can change on a lot of things when love is part of the equation.

“I’m surprised Matty didn’t say anything. He’s been home for three days.”

“We just got Posey on Monday.”

Now I’m outright laughing. “Posey?”

“Don’t start.” I hear him pull the phone from his mouth. “Go potty. Go on,” he coaxes the dog.

I mimic zipping my lips even though he can’t see me.

“So, I hear from Matthew you’re still dating that hockey player?”

“Yeah.”

“Hm.”

“What does ‘hm’ mean?”

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