Her teeth press a little harder.
I get the message and settle her back onto her perch, where she can look down her adorable nose at us.
Marie slides closer, wrapping her arm around my waist as we wander back to the island, listening to the guys chatter about their upcoming games and as Rory and Chrissy discuss her plans for her upcoming baby shower. We chime in when necessary—and it’s fairly frequent because they’re all good at including us in the conversation—but I’m enjoying just standing on the sidelines, watching their interactions.
Friendship and love.
New acquaintances and old.
But it’s comfortable, enjoyable…and it’s Marie’s.
I’m glad she has it, grateful I’m here to be part—however small—of it.
We stay until Chrissy starts yawning and Rome ushers us out the door. I drive us home, and it doesn’t take long for Marie to fall asleep. I don’t wake her, just carry her sleeping form up to my condo, tucking her into my bed and pulling the covers up and over her.
I lock up, plug in our phones.
Then crawl in beside her, tugging her against me.
As sleep starts to claim me, I can’t help but think this was the best night I’ve had in a long time.
Because of Marie.
And because Chrissy made me promise that next time I bring Brooks along.
He won’t know what hit him.
My lips curve.
Fall into the blackness.
And when I wake up in the morning and my Marie is gone, I’m not upset.
Because there’s an envelope on the table…with Eagles tickets inside.
Her note alongside them makes me laugh.
They’re not playoff tickets, but I still want snacks.
-M
Thirty-Nine
Marie
“I haveto say I like your outfit from Dean’s better.”
I jump, starting to turn, but I don’t get far before Jace is slipping his arms around me, his chest pressing to my back.
Male and spice andmine.
“You don’t like me sporting an Eagles jersey?”
“No,” he murmurs, lips pressing to the sensitive spot behind my ear. “I just like a short, backless dress, with sexy underwear beneath it better than jeans and a hockey jersey.”
I spin in his hold, throw my arms around his neck, our bodies flush, desire blooming in my belly. “Would it help if I told you that I’m wearing sexy underwear tonight too?”
“It would definitely help.” He draws me closer, takes the chance to slant his lips over mine, not releasing me until my knees are shaking and I’m ready to blow off the game altogether. “We should go in, gorgeous. We need time to get your snacks before puck drop.”
