Page 101 of The Assist
Dylan: “I can still smell you on my skin. Can’t fucking think straight. Tell me you’re okay.”
God.
I squeeze my eyes shut, my heart doing a painful, traitorous somersault. Before I can even think, my thumbs are moving.
Me: “I’m okay. A little freaked out. A lot turned on. Very in need of a distraction.”
Three dots appear instantly.
Dylan: “Come back here, to mine. I’ll distract you all night.”
I groan, flopping back against the cushions. Because Iwantto. God, do I want to, but I can’t. We have to be smart;Ihave to be careful. I’m just about to type that out when another message pops up.
Dylan: “Or you could send me a very private picture instead. ;)”
I chuckle, some of the tension bleeding out of me. Of course he’d turn to sexting. He’s hopeless. And perfect.
And mine.
For as long as we can keep it hidden.
Later, after I’ve changed into pyjamas and made myself a cup of tea I have no intention of drinking, I call Sophie. She picks up on the second ring, already buzzing with energy.
“Tell meeverything,” she demands without preamble. “And don’t leave out the filthy bits.”
I laugh, sinking deeper into the couch. “It’s perfect” I start, then break off, grinning stupidly. “He’s perfect.”
Sophie squeals loud enough to make me wince. “Iknewit! Our girl is finally getting treated like the queen she is!”
I shake my head, smiling so hard my cheeks hurt. “He’s so sweet,” I admit. “And cocky. And ridiculous. But also kind and thoughtful.”
“Did he put out? I mean you haven’t seen each other for a couple of days.” Sophie teases.
I snort. “Put it this way, I’m still sore.”
There’s another shriek. “God, I’m living through you,” she says dramatically. “My Friday night was two glasses of wine and watchingFriendsreruns with my cat.”
I laugh harder, feeling lighter than I have in days. But then the conversation shifts, more serious. “You still worried about your contract?” Sophie asks.
I nod, even though she can’t see me. “Yeah. I need to know if there’s any loophole. If there’sanyway Dylan and I could make this work without me risking everything. Or him being traded.”
Sophie hums thoughtfully. “Already on it, babe. I had my friend; Carly, you remember her? I had her take a look at the clause. She’s drafting up some notes.”
My heart lifts. “Sophie, you’re a lifesaver.”
“I know,” she says, smug. “And don’t you forget it. You can introduce me to one of those hockey gods, you know as part repayment.”
We hang up not long after, but I’m left staring at my phone, my mind whirring.
Because as reckless and terrifying as this thing with Dylan is, it’s also real.
Real enough to fight for. Real enough to risk everything for. And when I close my eyes that night, it’s his voice I hear in my head. Soft. Raw. “Me too.”
Maybe we’re both scared. But for once, I think I’m ready to be brave.
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
DYLAN
