Page 97 of One Time Player

As Patty opts for fried chicken and fries, I go for the grilled stuff. We all take a seat around the table. Everyone is quiet as they eat. I don’t know if it’s because of the elephant in the room, which is what I just discussed with Myles, or that their family meals are quiet.

“This is all so delicious,” Patty says.

“I went out with the girls for lunch and ordered a salad and I could barely get it down. I hate hiding things from them,” Patty shares. Her dad frowns.

“Hopefully you won’t have to much longer,” Flynn says.

“I don’t see a good way out of this mess. I could go in and resign from my position, but would that help? I don’t want to leave the team hanging this far into the season. Another therapist won’t be as effective if they have to learn about each player at this point.”

“You came late in the season last year,” her dad reminds. “If you feel like at any point the schedule is too hectic, then you speak up. There’s a lot more injuries and a lot more work during playoffs.”

“I’ll let you know. Don’t worry,” she assures her dad.

“Because you and that baby come first over hockey,” he asserts.

“I know and I don’t want you to worry,” Patty replies.

After dinner Patty leans back in her chair and says she’s stuffed.

“I hope not too stuffed,” Flynn chimes. “Evan brought these delicious cupcakes.”

Patty’s light eyes narrow in on me, “You didn’t.”

I chuckle. “I did.”

Her parents look between us confused. “I’ve been craving all kinds of sweets. Those cupcakes are the best thing ever. Well, except for the morning pastries he has sent to my door when we are in town.”

Her dad cocks his brow and gives me a curious look.

“If you’re too full, you can save one for tomorrow,” I suggest.

“You know I can’t say no . . .” Patty begins as Flynn places a plate covered in cupcakes in front of us. “You got the salted caramel? Why didn’t you get some brownie overload too?” Patty loves the salted caramel, but I love the brownie. They aren’t sold in singles so I’d have to buy two boxes, which would be a bad idea because I’d want to eat all six, and I wanted to make my girl happy by spoiling her with what she loves.

“Because I got them for you and I’m laying low on dessert right now. I need to be in peak physical condition for playoffs.”

“That’s really sweet, Evan,” Patty says.

We finish eating and I thank Myles anf Flynn for a lovely evening. Coach pulls me aside and tells me to speak with his daughter about our plan, but he must know Patty isn’t going to like it. Which means I need to find the right time.

Patty yawns. “I’m going to head out too,” she tells her parents.

“I’ll walk you to your car,” I offer.

When I say goodbye, Flynn gives me a hug and Myles shakes my hand. It all feels weird, but it feels good too because on some level we are going to be family. If only I can convince Patty how good we are together.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE

Patty

“Omg, yes, Evan, that is so good, just like that,” I pant while I hold on to his hair and ride his face as his tongue works me over.

His warm tongue runs up my slit up to my nub, causing me to ride his face like I’m at the freaking rodeo.

“It feels so good,” I moan and then he tips me over the edge and white sparks fly past my vision, as his tongue strokes me over and over making my orgasm last longer. It’s too much. Too good. Not enough.

When I finally fall limp, Evan takes me in his arms. “I wish we had longer than two days before the playoffs start.”

“Me too, I could use a vacation,” I agree.

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