“Laughing at me when I’m naked would not be good for my ego.”
She chuckled.
“Yeah, don’t do that.”
She couldn’t hide a grin. “I mean I’d like to have fun with you. But I don’t want to get serious.”
“Because of Ben and all the nice guys you’ve dated. I get it.”
She studied him. “What about you and all your exes?”
“I don’t have many. I mean, I’m a bad boy and all that.” Such a crock, but for her he’d try. “Cheating is a huge no-no for me. When I’m with a woman, I’m just with her. Honestly, though, I’m usually so busy with hockey that I don’t have time for a committed relationship.”
“Last girlfriend was when?”
“Um, a year and a half ago, I think. I’ve had sex since then, but not much. I always wear condoms. I’m not about to get trapped by some chick wanting a steady paycheck from a kid I’m not ready for.”
“You don’t want kids?”
“Not now. Eventually, sure. I want to be a dad. Get married. To one woman, mind you. My parents have been married forever to each other.”
“Mine too.” She sat by him with a sigh. “They make it tough to date. I keep wanting what they have, but dating is so hard now.”
“Not to hear my folks tell it,” he said with a groan. “They bug me about grandkids, but when am I supposed to find the time? I’m busy. You’re busy. The whole world is busy. My friends think referring me to women who are impressed by my fame is something I want. No way. And I’m not into the apps. They suck.”
“Do they.” She sat glumly, her arms folded over her lovely chest. “I’m not that lucky at relationships.” She turned to him. “But I think you and I could have great sex. Why not stick with simple and not complicate it? Isn’t that what guys want anyway?”
It seemed to be what she wanted, so he gave a slow nod. “Sure. I think that sounds great. I’m staying with my parents, so we’ll have to use your place to hook up. Will that work?”
She nodded. “And safe sex.”
“A given. I’m clean. If you want me to get a checkup, I can do that. I’m a lot of things, but I’m safe. And I’m not a liar. I want to fuck you like you can’t believe, but you’re in charge of what we do and how we do it. I’m a big guy. I don’t want you to ever think I’d hurt you.”
“Not that I’d let you hurt me.”
He smiled. “And that’s why I lo—” He coughed. “Sorry. Why I like you so much. You’re a straight shooter. Me too.”
“Okay then.”
“Okay then.”
She stared at him. He stared at her.
“I want to have sex.” Then she groaned. “But I feel sick.”
All that build-up. Frank talk.
The bottom line… She felt sick.
Damon laughed, mostly at himself. “I make you sick. That’s classic.”
“No, you idiot. All that sugar made me sick. I had too much cake.”
“Nah, it’s really me. Because I’m so sweet.” Determined to spend more time with her, in any way he could get it, he looked around and spied a board game on a bookshelf. “Since sex is off the table, how about a game of Rummikub?”
She perked up. “You play?”
“I dominate. Curious if you can keep up.”
