Page 85 of Fair Play
She’s right, and I’m still thinking about it afterward when we head down to the family lounge to help them celebrate winning the first round. The couples all greet each other warmly, hugging and kissing, and someone is serving champagne.
“Great game,” I tell Bodi, hugging him.
He grins. “It was. I’m so fuckin’ pumped. We have tomorrow off, so a bunch of us are going out.” He pauses. “Do you want to come?”
“Uh, no. I have class tomorrow, and then work. But thanks for inviting me!”
That’s sort of a lie since there is a class tomorrow, but I don’t have to be there. It’s basically free time to consult with our professor about our final project, and I don’t need any help. In fact, for that class, my project is essentially done.
Bodi forgets all about me the moment Blake shows up and everyone starts making plans to go out.
I’m just waiting for Rome. If Bodi is going out tonight, that means we’ll have a little time alone.
Unless he’s going out too?
I have to stop being so timid. That’s never been my personality and I’m not going to start now because I’m falling in love with a closed-off, somewhat broody hockey player. If he gets mad that I miss him and want to spend time together, then maybe he’s not the man I think he is.
“Hey.” I walk up to him as soon as he comes into the room.
“Hey, beautiful.” His voice is low and there’s pleasure in his eyes.
“You looked incredible out there,” I say. “When you flattened that guy in the third period, it was fucking gorgeous.”
“I enjoy doing that when I can get away with it.”
We chuckle.
“Listen.” I look around to make sure no one is close to us. “Bodi’s going out tonight, which means we have at least an hour or two to be alone. Are you going too?”
He hesitates. “I need to at least go have a beer. I’m finally getting invited to go with them—it’s important to show them that I’m one of them.”
“Will it be just a beer?” I counter quietly. “Because I miss you. And I need some attention too. I know it’s the playoffs but when I was running around between school and work, I still made time for you while you weren’t playing.”
“Is something wrong?” he asks automatically.
“No. I just…need you.” I search his face. “Need you to touch me. Hold me. Remind me of our bond, because all this sneaking around is draining.”
“Baby, I’m sorry.” There’s a flicker of guilt in his eyes. “And yes, I promise. One beer. An hour, tops. Then I’ll be home.”
“Okay.”
I turn and walk away like it’s no big deal because I know people are watching.
And it sucks.
Chapter 32
Rome
Something is definitely bothering Billie,so it’s hard to listen to my teammates as they rehash the game and make plans for round two, which will be against Vegas. That will be nice since it’s close, and I’m hoping Billie can travel with some of the girls. It’s complicated because of school and work but these games are a big deal.
Bodi has his arm around an attractive brunette who made a beeline for him the moment he got into the bar so hopefully he’ll be busy all night. Which means Billie and I can have a little time too. My gut tells me she wasn’t referring to sex when she said she needed me, and I feel that familiar twinge of guilt, the same one that haunted me through both of my marriages.
I promised myself I would do better this time but it’s a lot more difficult in practice than in theory.
It takes longer than an hour to drink my beer and find a casual way to escape, so I know she’s probably annoyed with me even though I sent her a few texts to keep her updated. When Iwas married, this kind of thing always led to fights, so I brace myself as I walk into the townhouse.
Billie’s on the couch with her laptop, typing away, and I can’t help but smile at the picture she makes sitting there. Long hair up in a makeshift bun held with a pencil. One side of her sweatshirt falling over her arm and leaving the soft curve of a bare shoulder on display. Biting her lip in concentration.
