“Cowardly motherfucker,” Reno spits out. “Hurting a woman and then hauling ass when he knows someone his own size is about to show up. Did Bubba ever catch him?”
I shake my head. “No. He and his wife took me to the hospital. The doctors took lots of pictures of my shoulder and the bruises Collin left on my arms when he shook me. For the police report.”
Reno’s eyes immediately drop to my thighs where a few fingerprint bruises have bloomed from where he held my legs apart last night. He looks horrified.
“Shit, Juliette. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have been so rough with you. I’m…”
I cover his mouth with my palm. “Don’t apologize,” I say sternly. “It’smybody, andIdecide what kinds of bruises I want on it. These are marks left by passion, not anger.” Uncovering his mouth, I kiss him there, hard and firm. “You left those on me while you were going down on me, making me feel good, and I wear them with pride.”
His exhale is ragged as he nods. “Okay, but you have to promise to tell me if I ever get too rough with you.”
“I promise,” I tell him, though we both know our time together is limited.
Only three more days.
And that thought makes my heart hurt.
Chapter 22
My new guilty pleasure
WhileJuliettetakesacall from her editor on Thursday, I stroll over to the gift shop to give her some privacy. Karissa greets me as soon as I walk in.
“Mr. Swain, hi! Did Juliette like the flowers?”
“Loved them. Thank you for your help again. Um, I have a special request.”
A sly grin crosses her face. “What did you have in mind?”
Ten minutes later, I leave the shop with a satisfied smile on my face. Karissa said she’d have my package ready to pick up Saturday.
My phone rings, and it’s a number I don’t recognize. Frowning, I sit on a bench beneath a flowering tree and answer. “Hello?”
“Is this Reno Swain?”
I don’t recognize the man’s voice, but it doesn’t sound like a spam call. “You got him.”
“Hey, man. This is Baylor Ward. From the Dallas Brewers?”
Relaxing against the back of the bench, I smile. I know Baylor from hockey, and he’s always seemed like a nice enough guy. A fucking beast on the ice, and we’ve knocked each other into the boards more than once, but that’s the nature of the sport. He’s a fair player and doesn’t take cheap shots.
“Good to hear from you, Baylor. Though my hip isn’t your biggest fan after that final game last year.”
He laughs good-naturedly. “Sorry about that, bro. If it makes you feel any better, my shoulder still protests from when you smacked me into the glass in that same game.”
“Old ass,” I tease, though I think he’s around the same age as me.
“And feeling older every day. Hey, I know it hasn’t been announced yet, but a little birdy told me you’re going to join us this season.”
“That’s what a little birdy told me too,” I say, and I’m surprised I don’t sound bitter about it.
“Fuck, man. I’m so excited. Defense was our weak spot last season. I think we could have gone to the playoffs if we’d had someone of your caliber on the Brewers. I respect the hell out of you.”
“I feel the same about you, Ward. You’re one of the best centers in the league.”
“Good. Now that we’ve kissed each other’s asses and we’re practically engaged, let’s get down to business.”
I laugh out loud at that. “I’ll be expecting a particularly large diamond ring. What can I help you with, Baylor?”
