We’ve always hugged in greeting and occasionally sat close together during a scary movie. Every summer, we take one vacation together and book separate rooms. We aren’t strangers to physical contact, but it’s always been casual and platonic.
Everything has changed.
There’s nothing casual about how I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her against me every chance I get. It’s as if we’re tethered, reaching out to each other instinctively. Sabrina leans her body against me. Her shoulder is satin under my calloused fingers. Those breasts, which I refuse to gawk at, feel incredible against my chest when we dance.
She’s sweet and affectionate and “honeymooney” like we talked about. When she casts me a look with eyes half mast, the spread of long lashes fluttering, my heart skips. She looks so turned on. Or is it me projecting my own lust?
And when her breathing is uneven as she nestles her nose near my neck, it’s easy to believe she isn’t unaffected by our closeness. Sabrina is displaying a very convincing performance of a honeymooner, I’ll give her that.
I, on the other hand, am the farthest thing from pretending to be turned on. I turn my hips away from her, because my wife cannot know I’ve been hard for her all night.
“So, what’s the deal?” Gordon asks when we join a small group.
Sabrina needed to rest her feet. Since there was only one chair available at the closest table, I’ve nestled her over my knees.
I reach over to remove her heels. She moans “yes” and my cock perks up. Down, boy.
“You didn’t even tell me you were dating.” It’s Logan, who I’ve known the longest of all my teammates. He’s met Sabrina the most since she’s occasionally been my plus-one through the years. He’s smiling, but I hear the confusion.
His wife, Beatrice, reaches for Sabrina’s hand and gives it a friendly pat.
“We are thrilled to have you as part of the Mavericks family now, Sabrina. Let’s sit together next time you’re at a game. No rush, though. I know how busy newlyweds can get.”
“You definitely kept me busy,” Logan says to his wife. I glance at them cuddling like they’re newlyweds.
Logan gets teased about Beatrice whenever we’re out of town because he won’t shut up about her. I get it, for once. Missing your wife so much that you find every excuse to talk about her makes perfect sense.
“Thank you, I’d love that,” Sabrina says graciously. “Dex’s family will visit for the holidays. We’re all going to the game on the twenty-third. I’ll look for you at the family suite.”
“Absolutely. Can’t wait to meet them, too,” Beatrice says before leaning forward. Her voice is softer, directed only at me and Sabrina.
“I’ve always told Logan there’s something between the two of you.” She winks.
Sabrina’s body stiffens. I pull her to me, loving the way her fleshy outer thigh feels against my palm.
“Long-distance dating can be difficult,” Sabrina utters vaguely, her discomfort about lying taking its toll.
Before she can respond to the next casual inquiry with a full confession, I offer an explanation.
“It’s not easy to date long-distance,” I agree with her. “But after the car accident, I realized that every day we aren’t together is a wasted day. Nothing is guaranteed.”
I pause, enjoying Sabrina’s puzzled expression. One of her brows is arched much higher than the other. We didn’t plan this explanation, yet there’s no stopping me now. Words spill out with no filter.
“Why wait to get married when I already know she’s the love of my life?” I state clearly, never once looking away from Sabrina’s shocked face.
Beatrice’s smile widens, and I give a casual wink to my wife, like this isn’t the first time I’ve declared to the world that this woman on my lap is the love of my life.
Sabrina’s mouth remains open in shock, but no sound comes out. I get an alluring whiff of the chocolate mousse she had for dessert. Sweet and rich and tempting. Looking away from her parted lips proves impossible.
“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” people around us demand.
Others join the rowdy chant.
“What do you say, Baby Brie?” I whisper for her ears only. “Should we give the people what they want?”
As if anyone could want the kiss more than I do.
Her curved lips and a slight nod grant permission.
