Page 83 of In The Game

Me: If Arthur sees you he’ll feel left out. Can you text me when you’re outside?

Barrett: No problem. I’ll be seeing you next weekend, so we’ll get some guy time then.

Me: Is that so?

Barrett: I know, it’s like you’re obsessed with me or something. Stage 5 clinger.

Me: Little bit. ??

After a quick scrub and shave, it’s time to try on the dress. To my utter amazement, it fits and actually looks pretty damn good. I grab the eyeshadow and upgrade to a subtle, smokey eye. It’s been forever since I’ve seen this version of myself. I’m loving my curves more and more these days. Especially in this dress. Barrett will too. I may not be as hot as I used to be in my early twenties, but tonight I’m a solid MILF candidate.

Dry shampoo adds texture and volume to my hair. I wear it down but keep the side part—they’ll have to pry the comb from my cold, dead fingers before I part my hair down the center. It’s spring, but the evenings can still get chilly, so I grab a moto jacket and slip on my sexiest heels. One last check in the mirror and then I say my goodbyes to Arthur. He looks at me a little funny with the new makeup as I bend down to give him a hug and kiss.

“I really like your eyes, Mom.”

“Thank you, baby! I really like your eyes too!” I stand from my crouch.Shit, I forgot how hard that is to do in heels.

“Do you need anything, Tab?”

“All set, have a great night,” she calls from the kitchen, picking up dishes from dinner. She walks out wiping her hands on a towel. “Ooph! You look hot!”

I feel myself blushing. I hope I’m not kidding myself with this effort. My phone dings, and I push aside any negative thoughts. This is the new Raleigh.

“Okay, have a good night!”

I walk out the door and find him leaning against the passenger side door.He’s even got manners.The smile on his face explodes.

“Sweet hell. I can’t believe I’m taking you to a restaurant first.” He opens the door for me. “You look fantastic.” He kisses me on the cheek, and I slink into the passenger seat. He closes my door and walks around to the driver’s side, and I kick my feet in excitement before he opens his door.

“What time do I need to have you home tonight?” he says, turning on the car.

“I have the babysitter until midnight.”

“We’ll have to eat fast, then.”

I tuck my hair behind my ear and chuckle. “Oh yeah? What do you have planned?”

He looks at my outfit and back at me.

I laugh. “Subtle...”

“You started it by wearing that fucking dress.”

I’m thrilled he likes it. I try not to show my excitement, but the idea of ending up in Barrett’s bed makes my heart hammer in my chest. I’m ready.

I mentally give myself a pep talk on the way there.

You look hot, you smell great, you are worthy of an amazing man, especially one that’s into you. He runs a hockey camp to help underprivileged kids and knows every single player by name. He learns koala facts for your son and carries him on his shoulders. Whatever happens tonight, happens. You have Cinderella liberty, so seal the deal before midnight.

“You okay over there?”

“Huh? Oh, uh-huh.”

“What are you overthinking?”

I smile. “Thinking about today.”

Leaning my head against the headrest, I face him and narrow my eyes. “What’s that like?”

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