Page 125 of The Way We Win

I stand on the periphery, my heart thumping hard against my chest. I wasn’t sure what the instructiontonightmeant, so as soon as I got to the restaurant, I slipped into the bathroom and inserted the plug.

It was so small, I didn’t think I’d even feel it, but I was wrong. Now I’m tingling and wet, swallowing hard every time I move or walk. My nipples are hard little points, and sitting is out of the question.

“Don’t you think so?” Dylan is looking at me, waiting.

I have no idea what she’s talking about. I blink at her, trying to figure out what to say, when she bursts out laughing. “You are so out of it tonight! Are you worried about the game?”

“Ah… yeah!” I smile brightly. “It’s a big night for Austin.”

“He’s going to be great.” Craig walks over and puts a hand on my shoulder. “He’s been on fire all season, and these last few games he’s looked like a pro.”

“I don’t understand why I can’t go to Bethlehem to see Aussie play!” Kimmie’s voice makes me jump, and the top of my head tightens.

“Birmingham.” Jack’s low voice sends a tingle between my thighs, and my lips part so I can breathe. “You have school, and Ms. Plum needs help with Gina.”

“But I have to cheer for Aussie,” Kimmie whines.

Jack walks into the room, his daughter’s pouty head resting on his shoulder. “Is Liv’s mom here yet?” He speaks low to Dylan.

“She’s coming right after her DnD game at the Senior Center.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for her.” He hesitates, and I’m about to die inside if he leaves, when he stops, and our eyes meet. “Hey, girl.”

I swallow air, fire racing to my cheeks. I manage to push out aHey, but it’s soft and nervous. My stomach is in knots thinking about what’s coming.

Kimmie is spending the night with Ms. Plum, since all of us are going to the game tomorrow.

I know where I’ll be tonight.

“Looks like it’s time!” Craig lifts the tray of spicy food off the counter.

I haven’t even been paying attention to what they made. My brain has been on my butt all evening.

“I’ll do the announcement, since you look like you’re in space,” Dylan teases. “Can you at least help hand out the ice cream cups?”

“Of course!” I blink quickly, doing my best to act normal.

“Garrett’s cueing up the mix tonight.” Craig is still wearing all his protective gear. “No telling what he’ll play.”

I follow them from the kitchen, carrying the plastic bin of ice cream cups, and the place erupts into “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash.

Craig nods in approval, and when we all get to the table, the volume slowly lowers for Dylan to read the warning. My eyes scan the room, and I see Jack talking to Liv’s mom at the back table, where they all hang out with Miss Gina.

The old lady’s smiling, talking to Kimmie, and Jack’s daughter seems placated by whatever she’s saying. I’m chewing my lip when he turns, and my chest ignites when his blue eyes land on mine.

His chin lifts, and he walks to the door. It’s like a summons as I watch him leave, and I survey the line.

“I think they can get their own at this point,” I lean into Dylan’s ear. “I’ve got to run an errand.”

My friend’s eyes narrow, and she glances over to where Kimmie is holding hands and dancing with our dear, blind friend, and Jack is nowhere to be found.

Her amber eyes slide up to me, and she grins. “Have fun.”

She has no idea how much fun I’m about to have. For that matter, neither do I, and I’m a mess of nerves and anticipation.

Turning quickly, I start for the kitchen, taking out my phone and sending my son a quick text. He won’t be home until later, and he usually goes straight to his room. But just in case, I don’t want him to worry.

It’s a short drive to my house, which is right down the way from Jack’s. I took the plug out at Cooters & Shooters and gave it a quick wash. There was no way I could drive home with it inserted.

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