Page 75 of Wildcat
“I’m sorry,” he says. “I couldn’t resist, but seriously, you’re the best. Know I can always count on you.”
“Next time, I’m letting it go to voicemail,” I tell him.
“Hey, Miller.” Ash hugs Scarlett next. “Glad you two could come up for air long enough to hang out.”
“I was promised there would be food and alcohol,” she says.
Ash runs a hand through his hair and laughs. “In the kitchen.”
I lead Scarlett to the back of the house. A spread of mostly healthy foods is laid out buffet-style. I hand my girl a plate and watch with amusement as she piles it high with so much food I know there’s no way she can eat it all.
“What?” she asks when she finds me staring. “I’m ravenous.”
I hug her from behind and place a kiss on her neck. “Me too.”
“Uh-uh. No more until I’m fed.”
Chuckling, I let her go, fill my own plate, and we take them to the living room. Some of the guys are playing video games, a group is playing beer pong, and others are just hanging out in couples like Scarlett and me.
My girl isn’t messing around. She doesn’t speak for five minutes. She devours the food with little moans of appreciation that have me waiting for the second she’s full, so I can drag her somewhere and make out some more.
I’m not sure I’ve ever been more anxious to get someone naked twenty-four-seven. It’s never enough with Scarlett.
She leans back and sighs. “I think I’m going to live.”
“Note to self, keep Scarlett fed, or sex is off the table.”
She hits me with a playful smile. “You should really keep more food in your fridge.”
She’s not wrong. Besides the prepared meals I get from Pam, my refrigerator is pretty bare. It’s just easier during the season, and it ensures I’m eating enough. Pam will be pleased to stock it with something besides her casseroles.
“Why is Daria trying to get you to go to more events?”
“All publicity is good publicity or some such nonsense,” I say. “My contract is up after this year, and she thinks the more I’m seen out enjoying Minnesota, the better my chances are of getting a lucrative deal that will keep me here. In addition to playing stellar hockey, of course.”
“Of course.” She leans back against me so that her shoulder rests on mine. “Do you want to stay in Minnesota?”
“Yeah.” I move my arm around her and pull her farther into my chest. “Minnesota is looking pretty fine.”
She rolls her eyes and laughs. “Then I guess you better go to some A-list events.”
“Will you come with me?”
Shifting so she can better look me in the eye, she says, “I’m not sure. People would know we’re… whatever.”
“Whatever?” I ask, grinning at her inability to define us. Whatever isn’t the term I’d use.
“Dating, hooking up,whatever.”
“I’m okay with that. Are you?”
We haven’t talked about it, but I know we’re reaching that point that we need to tell her dad before he finds out from someone else. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about that conversation.
She closes the space between us and presses her lips to mine. “I guess I am, Leo Lohan.”
25
PLUS ONE
