“I’m countin’ on it,” Monty cheers.
They exchange more words about a few plays before Carina brings me back into the conversation.
“I see you’re wearing number thirteen. He had quite a game himself. Is he your…husband?” She takes a look at my fingers to check for rings, and though I wear some, none don a fat diamond.
“Oh no. We’re not married,” I correct, and hear the clearing of a throat. Monty’s throat. “He’s my b-boyfriend.”
My mouth is dry and the words feel like sandpaper on my tongue. This is the first time I’ve said that word out loud or acknowledged it to anyone other than Lucy. I guess I should get used to it since this is the role I’ll be playing for the next few months.
“Well welcome to the Drillers family. It can get a little rowdy, but we’re a fun bunch with maybe a sour grape or two.” She winks at Killeen who snorts with laughter. “We should get tog–”
She’s interrupted by loud cheers as the men come walking into where their families await. One by one,giants begin to fill the room and their wives, children, girlfriends or other family members rush to them, congratulating with hugs and kisses.
“Excuse me. There’s Frank. I better go boost his ego.” Carina smiles and hurries to greet her husband.
He sees her and drops a bag at his feet to catch her in his arms. Her feet dangle as his arms wrap around her tiny waist. The beastly man kisses his wife like it’s months since their mouths last touched.
My attention is set on the love birds when I’m startled by a warm hand touching my arm.
“Hello mi Reina.” A deep voice whispers in my ear, and plump lips brush against my lobe.
Shivers run over me like a tidal wave. I would like to attribute this feeling to my recent dry spell, but I begrudgingly must admit that it’s the man.
“Hey. You scared me.”
“I can tell,” he quips, arching his brow in that sexy way that guys do. “This is our first appearance and lots of eyes are watching us. Now may be a good time to christen this relationship with a congratulatory kiss.”
Tightness grips my chest at the thought of having to kiss him.How am I supposed to keep my wits about me if he lays those warm, plump, and perfect lips on mine?I’m a strong woman, but acting unaffected would be an Oscar worthy performance.
“What a great idea. Perfect place for that.” I forget whose company we are in until Killeen leans in to add her opinion.
Nic follows her words up with a double eyebrow raise and a winning smile. He knows I’m backed into a corner and there’s no getting out of it. I clench my jaw and give him a curt nod, then breathe deep and prepare myself for the incoming.
It’s just a kiss. He’s not that charming…or handsome…or sexy. And he probably kisses like a troll.Maybe his breath smells like gym socks. Or his to–
My internal dialogue comes to a screeching halt when his lips touch mine. Tender with just the right amount of pressure to make my toes curl. His tongue peeks out and licks the seam of my lips and before I know it, I’m parting them to welcome him in. When I feel his tongue move past my teeth, I snap out of my trance and quickly pull back.
I’m panting and I just know my cheeks are flushed. I look around to find everyone’s attention on us, watching our every move.
I put on a tight smile and through gritted teeth tell him, “Okay. That’s more than enough. They all saw.”
He grabs my hand and twines our fingers together and when I try to pull away, he squeezes tighter. “Are you afraid they’ll see how much you like when I kiss you?” I open my mouth to protest and he gives his head a small shake. “Don’t try and deny it, mi Reina. I heard that little moan. I can give you more of those if you’d like.”
“Okay,” I say loudly. “I think it’s time to go. I have a lot of work to do. Monty. Killeen. Thank you for the amazing afternoon.”
I kiss both of the Montgomery’s on the check with a smile.
“Our pleasure dear. See you at the next game?” Killeen asks, and I give her a hesitant nod.
We wave goodbye to them as well as a quick wave to Carina who watches us leave, and yank my hand free from his as soon as we’re out of sight.
“Don’t you pull that shit again, Nic. I’ll have your balls.” My nostrils flare with the warning.
“Oo. Promise?” I smack his chest and the asshole has the audacity to smile. “We better get going.”
“Why?” I furrow my brow as he pulls me along behind him. “Wait. Stop. I’m not going anywhere with you. I’m going home.”
I try to dig my heels in to stop him, but in literal heels I can only slide along.
